Geogra3: Three geography themed awareness days in February

In this week’s Geogra3  I’m sharing three geographically-themed awareness days that are coming up in February that you might find useful for topical lessons, extra-curricular activities or for assemblies.

1. World wetlands day 2nd February

This marks the day that the Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.  The Convention aims to raise public awareness of the importance and value of wetlands.  Specific resources to support the event can be found on the website including a powerpoint and other posters about the benefits of wetlands.  The theme for 2024 is wetlands and human wellbeing, focusing on how interconnected wetlands and human life have been throughout history — with people drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these productive ecosystems.  The day also underscores the critical need for human stewardship of the world’s wetlands.

2. Weather person’s Day 5th February

This day commemorates the birth of John Jeffries, one of USA’s first weather observers and seeks to highlight the work of those who forecast the weather and issue warning systems to keep us safe.  It also recognises the work done by thousands of volunteers who record data and observe the weather to help improve forecasts.  This would be an ideal week to encourage students to make their own weather predictions or build a mini weather station, with step by step instructions available here. 

3. World NGO day 27th February

This day seeks to celebrate the work of non-governmental and non-profit organisations, highlighting their contribution to society as a whole.  There is a useful video clip on this page that shows an interview with NGO leaders in South Africa that highlights the challenges they face.  One suggestion to encourage involvement in this day is to host a virtual “hackathon.”  A hackathon is a sprint-like event, when people come together and discuss issues and problems, then come up with ideas to solve them (see this Guardian article for an extended explanation).  In many ways the recent Earthshot series links well as it encourages solutions to repair our planet, and students could be encouraged to think of their own ideas, focusing on the five key areas.

I hope that has given you lots of inspiration and I’d love to know what you get up, so please reply and let me know or share in the Facebook group. 

Also, if you don’t already have it, the 2024 Geography Awareness Days calendar can be found here.

And remember, keep being curious - there’s a whole world out there!

I love nothing more than supporting Geography teachers as we are a pretty awesome bunch.  

So here are five ways that I might be able to help you….

• The FREE question and answer booklet - 15+ Q and A worksheets linked to documentaries 
• The GTB Vault - Classroom-ready powerpoints and worksheets so you never need to feel guilty about showing a video in class again! New pick up and go lesson resources added every month.
• The Geography Teacher Box bookstore - boost your subject knowledge while supporting local independent bookshops
• Tote-ally Geography - A newly created store with tote bags designed specifically for geography teachers.
• Connect with other like-minded Geography teachers and share resources (suitable for teachers of students aged 11-18) - The GTB Facebook Group