This course is fully booked.
In the fight against climate change, this 5-day introduction course will empower young people to better understand the science behind climate change, as well as become more confident in talking to others. Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity will face in the 21st century but we can do something about it.
Are you considering a career in geography, sustainable development or environmental science? This introductory course is perfect for any young person who would like to learn about how to make a positive change in the face of climate change?
Young people will cover a range of environmental topics to deepening your understanding on climate change, undertake individual mini-projects, carbon measurement exercises, and take part in a CV writing workshop to support you working in the environmental sector.
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to take climate action back to your communities, talk more confidently on the issues and to make a positive and long-lasting impact.
The residential has been created to offer you an opportunity to explore a future career or studying options in the field of environmental science and other similar areas. This residential will enable you to find out more about the subject, hear from experts working in the field and share the experience with others with similar interests. This residential is designed for Higher and Advanced Higher / AS and A Level students as well as undergraduates who wish to get an introduction to the field.
The course has been created to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and includes a range of sessions to educate and inspire participants to make positive changes in their lives and make their voices heard in our climate emergency.
The course is suitable for students wanting to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold residential.
This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Tutor: Field Studies Council Staff
Courses are led by experienced Field Studies Council staff.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Travel to the centre for 1200 arrival. Welcome and introduction to course. Allocation of waterproofs. Setting course and individual targets, aims and aspirations for the week
Team Games- Get to know the others on the course by team building exercises and games – What have you learned about the strengths of your team and the group as a whole over the afternoon?
Every little action… Sustainability and Climate Change – what is it all about?
What can a nursery school of less than 10 children do to change the world?
Who are the greatest ambassadors for climate action and how have they impacted on our knowledge of the issue?
Day 2
Carbon and Environmental Indicators - Big issues in bitesize pieces
Measuring carbon in trees – how to calculate carbon storage in woodlands and what it means
Using the OPAL Lichen Survey, we will introduce the group to simple Citizen Science
Invasive Species Survey
We will start by looking at an overview of ecosystem structures and how to conduct scientific sampling. After we will head out into the field to our local Farland Point for some vegetation sampling to look at impacts of invasive species on biodiversity.
Day 3
Small Island Life - Food Choices
What are your options if you live in a small community like Millport?
Building on the carbon study from Tuesday, we will look at food miles and the impacts on our habits.
Visiting shops and food outlets in Millport we will see how feasible it is to live an ‘environmentally friendly life’ outside the cities.
Climbing Wall
How much do you trust your team?
In teams you will learn to set up, belay and climb on our outdoor climbing wall.
Mini-Projects
Continuing our discussion on what we have learned and how we can translate that into the wider world. Based on everything we have looked at so far – a chance to work on the mini-projects working towards your final presentation
Day 4
A Beach Walk with a difference
Following on from a fun Bioblitz looking for intertidal creatures we will conduct a survey along the coast of Millport.
Using the free Beach Track APP, we will extend our use of Citizen Science to demonstrate how anyone can play a part in monitoring environmental change.
The results can be pooled and contributed to the MCS ongoing Great British Beach Clean project. We will consider the wider impacts of marine litter and plastic on the environment and wildlife and what we can do about it.
Microplastics – if we stop using them is it all okay?
Found in the Clyde, but coming from where?
Using samples collected in various places – the beach and woods we will conduct in-lab microscopy work looking for microplastics in the Clyde area. These results will then be contrasted with microplastic loading in terrestrial soil.
Campfire Sharing
Sharing experiences – The course should have opened students’ minds to a few new concepts and ideas – what were their favourite bits? What, if anything, do they feel they have learned?
Day 5
Careers in the Environmental Sector
An overview of getting your foot in the door for a career in marine science, including tips on interviews and CV’s.
Mini Project Preparation Time
Presentations
To practice presenting their work to a scientific audience, students will deliver a short talk summarising their findings.
Depart at 3pm
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport
Before You Attend
What shall I bring?
Boots or wellingtons
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
Wash kit
Suitable clothing for the time of year
Small day rucksack
Head torch
Water bottle and lunch box
This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
Sorry this course has ended
