Programs open to toddlers, school-age children and teenagers, covering general education, career exploration and special education
The National Institute of Biological Resources, under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, announced Monday that it is accepting applications from groups of toddlers (ages 3–5), children (ages 6–12) and teenagers (ages 13–18) for its second-semester biodiversity education programs.
Since opening in 2007, the institute has run a range of annual curricula aimed at spreading awareness of the value of biodiversity and biological resources.
This semester, the institute will offer three programs aligned with the national school curriculum — the Biodiversity Classroom, the Biodiversity Career Classroom and the Biodiversity Classroom for Special Education — running from Sept. 1 through Dec. 11.
The Biodiversity Classroom is open to kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools, as well as children's and youth groups in the corresponding age ranges.
Using teaching materials and aids developed in-house, the program takes an experience-based approach to learning about biodiversity and biological resources. It offers seven sessions covering topics such as biodiversity and climate change, available in both in-person and remote formats.
The Biodiversity Career Classroom is designed for middle and high school students to explore the various careers and roles available in the biodiversity field. Schools can choose from in-person visits to the institute, live remote sessions via video conferencing, or a self-directed remote format in which video content and teaching materials are provided — whichever best suits their needs.
The Biodiversity Classroom for Special Education serves special schools and classes, relevant associations, and welfare centers for people with disabilities. It offers four sessions — including "Stay by Our Side, Precious Living Things" — structured to help participants naturally encounter and easily understand native species, in both in-person and remote formats.
Applications are open from Monday through July 15 and can be submitted through the institute's website or by official correspondence. Details on how to apply and full program descriptions are available in the notices section of the website.
Institute director Yoo Ho said the institute would continue to expand the development of diverse curricula and tailored education programs "so that the next generation can understand the value of biodiversity and take part in efforts and actions to protect it."
thlee@heraldcorp.com
