Worcestershire Success Story

'The Earth Balloon'
Mobile Classroom

What's it all about?

The Earth Balloon has caused quite a stir in the County and was featured nationally on BBCTV's Breakfast Time.

The portable, 6.7m diameter, inflatable globe can be hired for use in County schools for work across the school curriculum, particularly for Geography and Science.  As well as undertaking work around the exterior of the Earth Balloon, up to a whole class of pupils are able to enter through zips on the International Date Line or Greenwich Meridian.  In addition to supporting traditional subject areas, such as Geography the globe is a valuable teaching aid for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship education.

The County Council is the first organisation in Europe to have an educational resource of this type.

Rupert Brakspear, the County's Education for Sustainable Development Officer says, " This is a fantastic resource for everyone in the County.  It really brings home to children and adults how beautiful and interconnected the World is and how important it is to protect it."

Where next?

The County has worked with practising teachers on the development of curriculum materials to accompany the Earth Balloon as it travels around schools in Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

Want to know more?

For further information or to book the Earth Balloon for your school, please contact Rupert Brakspear, the County's Education for Sustainable Development Officer on 01905 766378 or at rbrakspear@worcestershire.gov.uk.