The EcoGladiator Junior Ranger project is part of our dedicated career path programme for Environmental Science .
It is extremely inportant for all of us to create an acute awareness and appreciation in respect of the [future] conservation and sustainable utilization of Earth [= Our only habitat].
We have identified several strategic priorities. In our EcoGladiator Environmental Science Programme we focus on the following themes:
- Pollution:
- Chemical, physical, visual and otherwise
- Alien and Invader species [Plant-, mammal-, bird-, reptile-, insect- and species]
- Over-utilization of Natural Resources
- Ineffective management: Including
- Bad management practices
- Lack of positive values
- Bad attitude [by everybody]
- Corruption etc
The EcoGladiator Programme is in essence also a Mentorship Programme:
- Students do research projects under the guidance of mentors [academics and practicing scientists]. We assist students in their quest to find new knowledge and to design new technology. Our motto is: See the Future!!
- Teachers may also participate and may work with student groups under the guidance of mentors [academics and practicing scientists]. The central theme of the Teacher Mentorship Program is teacher-to-student communication.
- Teachers are also invited to do separate, individual research projects as part of their personal portfolio work that is prescribed in the school environment. The focus is on teacher-to-student communication in the high-tech school environment
Outreach to disadvantaged school communities: We specialize in the support of schools in disadvantaged communities where only basic logistical support is available, and teachers and students do not always have opportunities to apply the principles of science and technology in their classrooms [See elsewhere on this web site].
The objective of the EcoGladiator program is to create greater awareness in terms of the Gateway subjects Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics and Informatics.
- The Urban Rangers study and promote environmental management in urban habitats
- The River Rangers study and promote environmental management in riverine, wetland and peat habitats
- The Mountain Rangers study and promote environmental management in all mountain habitats
- The Bush Rangers study and promote environmental management in bush veld and savannah habitats
- The Forest Rangers study and promote environmental management in forest habitats
- The Sea Rangers study and promote environmental management in sea and coastal, including lagoon habitats
- The Desert Rangers study and promote environmental management in arid habitats such as rocky and sandy deserts
All school students from grades 1 to 12 may participate. There is a schedule for the program, to afford junior students to learn basic aspects of environmental science, environmental education and environmental management:
All school students from grades 1 to 12 may participate. There is a schedule for the program, to afford junior students to learn basic aspects of environmental science, environmental education and environmental management:
|
Theme 1 |
Grades 1 to 8 |
Urban Ranger |
|
Theme 2 |
Grade 9 |
River Ranger and/or Mountain Ranger |
|
Theme 3 |
Grade 10 |
Bush Ranger or Forest Ranger |
|
Theme 4 |
Grade 11 |
Sea Ranger or Desert Ranger |
|
Theme 5 |
Grade 12 |
Senior Portfolio: microscopy
– A comparative Audit Project |
EcoGadiator projects focus on aspects such as
- The CHON Factor - microbiology and biochemistry of all species [The role of micro-organisms and elements such as Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen]
- Co-existence of species
- Pollution: air pollution, sound pollution, chemical pollution, visual pollution and industrial pollution
- Aliens!! – invasive species from certain countries that find habitat in other countries and physically effect the natural habitats of those species
- Endangered species
- The Future of Earth as habitat
- How to do science projects
Survival!!
The Program is also about Adventure Education. Our students visit exotic locations such as game reserves and national parks, forests, the coast, the desert and mountainous areas where they experience the way all living creatures have to co-exist.
They leave their personal comfort zones and experience the Wild! Untamed! Wilderness where they find that living without their personal comforts – such as warm, soft beds, electricity and television can be quite an adventure!
Remember: in prehistoric times people co-existed with wild animals without modern technology!
- Imagine hunting for food ad cutting meat with stone tools!?
- Imagine making clothes for yourself, using animal skins!?
- Imagine getting sick and there is no doctor!?
Advanced Program:
Students from grades 8 to 12 may apply for inclusion in the NYDT Junior University Program.
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Teachers and students who are interested in the program may contact the CEO of the NYDT at nydt@mweb.co.za |
