School of the (Im)Possible

Immersive experience about Climate Change for Primary School students

School of the (Im)Possible’ is an immersive educational program focused on Climate Change for 8-10 year old students from primary schools.The program is divided into 12 weekly episodes aligned with the curriculum and adapted to local needs and environments, offering innovative approaches to advance climate education through storytelling and play-based learning approaches.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2021

Established

1K

Children

2

Countries

Target group

Students basic

Updated

May 2024

A world where education for sustainability and climate education are integral components of every learning environment, fostering systemic change and equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving world. In this world, imagination and creativity drive the learning process, offer new ways of learning and connecting to the world.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

The project was first commissioned by the “International teaching Artists Collaborative” (ITAC) in 2021 and piloted in Brazil. It was responding to the gap in education for sustainability and SDG integration, particularly in climate education that requires interdisciplinary approaches and the development of socioemotional skills.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Time traveling bookshelves appear in classrooms, filled with mysterious still-to-be-written books from the future. The students communicate with a scientist-alchemist from 2073 who invites them to join an (im)possible mission: to open a portal to a sustainable future and rewrite the future with sustainable actions: They engage in different missions: from the school surroundings to a nature trail to visit the “portal to the future”, becoming guardians of green spaces in their communities.
The program is divided into 12 weekly episodes aligned with the curriculum and adapted to local needs offering innovative approaches to advance climate education through storytelling and play-based learning. It is facilitated by teaching artists in collaboration with classroom teachers, and with the support from a digital Platform. We are also developing the augmented reality game "Arctic Lighthouse," a fully-digital version of School of the (Im)Possible, providing ongoing learning beyond the program.

How has it been spreading?

Since its implementation, the project has made a great impact on the communities it has engaged. We have worked across the communities of Scotland and Brazil, having worked with over 1000 students, 70 teachers, 33 cohorts, and 13 schools
During the implementation of each round we run a impact evaluation following the Continuum Assessment of Impact. This results in assessment of both educational and social impact, measuring short, medium and long term change.It has demonstrated the potential to influence and transform teaching practices in schools both in Brazil and in Scotland, which hold a different sociocultural background and curriculum system.
It was presented at COP 27, won an ASHOKA award, and became case study in universities such as University of Helsinki.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

The program has a structure which can be translated and adapted to each location. We support the local implementation and offer training and ongoing support.
We sell the program to schools and goverments, or offer it free of charge through funding. When we launch the AR Game Arctic Lighthouse, we will offer online subscriptions.

Implementation steps

Curriculum Alignment

Our programs align with national educational standards, focusing on sustainability, climate education, and socio-emotional skills preparing students for the challenges of the future.

Teacher Training and Support

Comprehensive training and ongoing support for educators to implement programs and to integrate into their teaching practice.

Delivery of Physical and Digital Resources

ensuring that educators have the tools and support they need to deliver high-quality education effectively.

12-Week Program

12 weekly episodes aligned with the curriculum and adapted to local needs and environments, offering innovative approaches to advance climate education through storytelling and play-based learning. It is facilitated by teaching artists in collaboration with classroom teachers, and with the support from a digital Platform.

Impact Evaluation

Continuous assessment and evaluation of program impact are integral to our approach. By gathering feedback and data, we continuously refine and improve our programs to ensure maximum effectiveness and positive outcomes for students.

Global Network and Collaboration:

Foster collaboration between schools, teachers, and students globally, creating a diverse learning and promoting global citizenship.

ARctic Lighthouse AR Game

Offering ongoing learning beyond program
Arctic Lighthouse is an AR game for mobile devices about Climate Change. It's a point-and-click adventure set in an immersive AR environment blending with the real world. Stemming from the awarded program"School of the (Im)Possible”, it will connects young changemakers from all over the globe on a mission of protecting portals to sustainable futures.