Eden Project Connects with 75,000 School Children Through Live Rainforest Lessons

To bring the wonders of the natural world into classrooms across the globe, the Eden Project in Cornwall has successfully reached over 75,000 students through its live stream education program.

Broadcasting directly from its iconic Rainforest Biome, the Eden Project’s education team has engaged young minds from the UK to far-flung regions, including Canada, the USA, Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

These interactive lessons, designed to complement the existing curriculum, offer students a unique window into the tropics, exploring the significant role of plants and their stories in shaping our world. The program is praised for its inclusivity, catering to a wide audience ranging from traditional classroom settings to summer schools and students who are homebound due to health issues.

Highlighting the program’s innovative approach, Robbie, the Eden Project’s Education Team Lead, expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s impact. “Running live streams from our Rainforest Biome is an incredible experience,” he said, noting the positive feedback and the team’s commitment to expanding their reach further.

The upcoming session promises to be a blend of art and environmental education, featuring a paint-along with artist John Dyer. Scheduled for March 27 at 1:30 pm, the session will delve into the story of chocolate, using the painting of a cacao tree as a creative lens to explore this theme. This free event underscores the Eden Project’s dedication to making learning about the environment a rich and accessible experience.

The adoption of live streaming as a tool for education at the Eden Project began modestly with a smartphone and has rapidly evolved into a sought-after resource for educators worldwide. A standout moment for the program was its involvement in POP23 (Protecting Our Planet Day, 2023), where the team delivered a compelling 45-minute session on the importance of tropical rainforests and conservation efforts. Additionally, the project contributed to the Darwin200 initiative, aligning with the global voyage of the tall ship Oosterschelde to inspire a deeper curiosity about natural history and ecology among students.

As the Eden Project continues to pioneer new ways to connect students with the environment, its efforts underscore a deep-seated belief in the power of education to foster a closer relationship between young people and the natural world. With plans to grow the live stream program, the Eden Project invites collaborators to join in their mission to inspire and educate the next generation about the planet’s invaluable ecosystems.

Students watching along live will be able to learn about the rainforest, art and the story of chocolate whilst painting their own cacao tree. The session is free and those wishing to take part can sign up at www.lastchancetopaint.com.

For those interested in taking part in sessions or working with the Eden Project on future live stream broadcasts can contact the Schools team via www.edenproject.com.