As the selection committee stated, the schools @ university Klima + Energie program organized by Freie Universität’s Environmental Policy Research Centre (FFU) and the Berlin Energy Agency is an impressive example of education for sustainability. Furthermore, the week-long education program makes the topics of climate and energy tangible and is a fascinating non-formal learning situation for 5th and 6th graders.

In about 50 participatory lectures and workshops the program imparts the scientific, technical, and social aspects of climate protection and the intelligent use of energy. The content is age appropriate and, with reference to everyday life, includes solar, wind, and bioenergy experiments, plan and role playing, fantasy, circus theater, creative writing, and art activities. The schools @ university Klima + Energie program receives funding through the European Union’s Intelligent Energy - Europe program.

The next week-long education program on the campus of Freie Universität will be from March 21 to 25, 2011. There is no charge for participation. Registration will be possible online as of February 22, 2011: www.schools-at-university.eu/berlin. The program also offers workshops for teachers: On February 21, 2011, experienced educators and environmental actors will present hands-on lessons, materials, experiments, and cross-curricular project ideas related to climate and energy. The teacher workshop will focus on this year’s theme “Sustainable Urbanization” in the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Registration for the next teacher workshop is now possible: berlin@schools-at-university.eu.