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POP24 LANDS AT DYNAMIC EARTH!
As the UK’s Science Centre dedicated to the story of our home planet, Dynamic Earth was delighted to be host venue for POP for the second year in a row.
Protecting Our Planet Day 2024 empowers learners to protect our planet in classrooms nationwide!
More than 150,00 learners and teachers from across the country registered for Protecting Our Planet Day 2024, an inspiring live-streamed event for schools brought to you by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency and a whole host of partners from across the UK, including Dynamic Earth.
As the UK’s Science Centre dedicated to the story of our home planet, Dynamic Earth was delighted to be host venue for POP for the second year in a row. Interactive online sessions were beamed into classrooms from across the UK live from our exhibition galleries, including our Polar Extremes gallery – with our resident iceberg – and our marine research vessel as part of our Discover the Deep experience.
POP24 and Dynamic Earth offered schools a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from environmental scientists, space experts, and conservationists throughout the day. Learners across primary and secondary schools had a choice of fourteen different sessions to connect with real scientists working to understand and protect our planet, including sessions focussing on oceanography, biodiversity, climate change and engineering. The day was hosted by Professor Suzie Imber and Dallas Campbell, with a wide range of partner organisations, including the British Antarctic Survey, the Met Office and the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, delivering throughout the day.
Learners and Teachers enjoyed a packed programme throughout the day as part of POP2024.
Highlights from across the day included a live link to the Antarctica Peninsula with the British Antarctic Survey at Rothera Research Station, seeing the success of leading conservation projects around the UK – from red squirrels to Caledonian pinewoods – and live Q&As with experts around the planet.
One of the day’s first sessions, Pop into the Ocean, was presented by Chris George, Head of Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth. This session featured Dr. Alycia Smith from the National Oceanography Centre, known for her groundbreaking work on “dark oxygen” with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). Alycia delved into her deep-sea research and explored life at sea, and we were also joined by Emily Yates from Project Seagrass, who highlighted the critical role of seagrass ecosystems around the UK. This session delivered an in-depth look into how ocean life and conservation efforts help protect our planet, connecting participants with both marine research and the seagrass nurseries that sustain vital biodiversity.
Chris and Alycia delivering as part of the Pop into the Ocean session for primary school learners across the UK.
Protecting Biodiversity was presented by Dynamic Earth’s former Scientific Director Dr. Hermione Cockburn, and explored the importance of biodiversity in sustaining Earth’s ecosystems. The session opened with an inspirational message from Chris Packham, who will introduced the concept of biodiversity and underscored its significance in the health of our planet. The session also featured conservation efforts from the Knepp Wildland Foundation, Saving Wildcats, Trees for Life, and the National Wildflower Centre. Each partner shared insights into their work and unique approaches to biodiversity preservation, offering an inspiring look at the practical measures that can help protect natural habitats.
POP2024 also offered an opportunity STEM Clubs Hour; an after-school science club hosted by Chris George and Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium Manager, Dr. Alastair Bruce. This engaging session explored Earth observation through the use of satellites, explaining how this technology monitors environmental changes and supports global conservation efforts. Alastair introduced participants to the basics of satellite launches and their applications, using real footage from Dynamic Earth’s on-site planetarium. From tracking wildlife and weather patterns to monitoring natural hazards, this out of this world session highlighted how space science plays a vital role in advancing climate and environmental research.
Dynamic Earth’s Head of Learning and Engagement, Chris George, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We were delighted to be part of POP24 and to support students across the UK in exploring climate science and the role we all play in protecting our planet. POP24 offers a unique learning experience by bringing real-world science into classrooms, sparking curiosity, and empowering young people to think critically about our environment.”
Conor Ellis – Dynamic Earth’s Director of Science Learning and Engagement – commented:
“Our science centre empowers people with understanding and empathy for the Earth and – crucially – provides opportunities for everyone to reflect on the world we live in today and how we can create a shared sustainable future. POP24 has undoubtedly provided learners and teachers with incredible role models and stories in Earth and environmental science that I know will help inspire lifelong connections and passion for STEM!”
You can access online resources used throughout Dynamic Earth’s POP2024 here.
You will be able to view recordings from POP2024 and access last year’s event through the STEM Learning YouTube account.
