{"id":715,"date":"2025-08-21T15:45:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T14:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/?p=715"},"modified":"2026-06-16T08:45:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T07:45:54","slug":"think-climate-project-in-a-box","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/2025\/08\/21\/think-climate-project-in-a-box\/","title":{"rendered":"Think Climate! with South Yorkshire&#8217;s Children\u2019s University"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Think Climate! Project in a Box\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iCUx-l6zD58?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>South Yorkshire Children\u2019s University helps children and young people build essential life skills through learning activities outside of the classroom. For over a decade, Children\u2019s University has been supporting thousands of pupils across Sheffield \u2013 and more recently in Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley to grow their confidence, motivation and self-esteem. Research shows that children who take part in Children\u2019s University activities not only enjoy richer experiences, but also achieve higher results in school, including SATs and GCSEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Wildflower-seed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-730\" style=\"width:365px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Wildflower-seed.jpg 640w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Wildflower-seed-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wildflower greetings card activity &#8211; provided by participating school<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project in a Box<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of South Yorkshire Children\u2019s University\u2019s most successful initiatives is <em>Project in a Box<\/em> \u2013 a ready-made resource kit that enables schools to run engaging after-school clubs for groups of 12 or more pupils. Staff are supported through training sessions before delivering six to eight weeks of activities, all leading to a celebratory event where pupils showcase their learning and take part in themed challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09894.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-738\" style=\"width:496px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09894.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09894-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09894-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Celebration event at Sheffield Hallam University &#8211; Institute of Education<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Think Climate!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the 2024\/25 academic year, Sheffield Hallam University partnered with Children\u2019s University to launch the <em>Think Climate!<\/em> edition of Project in a Box. Developed by academic staff at the Sheffield Institute of Education (SIOE), the programme introduces pupils to climate change and biodiversity through a positive, research-informed approach. The focus is on increasing young people\u2019s sense of agency and reducing eco-anxiety by highlighting local solutions and actions they can take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/1000000285-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-742\" style=\"width:324px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/1000000285-rotated.jpg 768w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/1000000285-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Teacher CPD on climate education and using the box<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The project offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>8 themed sessions<\/strong> designed around climate change and sustainability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Teacher training and CPD<\/strong> to support confident delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creative resources and incentives<\/strong> including craft activities and children\u2019s books linked to environmental themes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Celebration events<\/strong> where schools and pupils come together to share achievements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-736\" style=\"width:414px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09767.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09767-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09767-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students participating in the celebration event day at Sheffield Hallam University<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Impact and Reach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Launched in October 2024, <em>Think Climate!<\/em> has engaged nearly <strong>50 schools across South Yorkshire \u2013 the highest number to date<\/strong>. Early evidence shows a positive impact on both teacher and pupil knowledge, skills, and motivation to respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis. A more formal evaluation is being undertaken and will be published soon (October 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project culminated in a celebration event taking place at the Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam in July 2025. Over 100 children and staff attended from nearly 15 schools across South Yorkshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This collaborative project was delivered by Sheffield Hallam University\u2019s Institute of Education, the Civic Partnership team, and Sheffield Children\u2019s University, with support from our funding partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Bath-bombs-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-733\" style=\"width:277px;height:auto\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bath bomb making &#8211; image provided by participating school<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Funding Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sheffield Hallam University \u2013 Hallam Fund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sheffield Hallam University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University of Sheffield<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Research Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shu.ac.uk\/about-us\/our-people\/staff-profiles\/lee-jowett\">Lee Jowett<\/a> \u2013 Climate Change and Sustainability Research Fellow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shu.ac.uk\/about-us\/our-people\/staff-profiles\/joelle-halliday\">Joelle Halliday<\/a> \u2013 Senior Research Fellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1152\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09689-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-734\" style=\"width:194px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09689-Copy.jpg 768w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09689-Copy-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Project in a Box resources and education pack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Further information and links<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2026\/06\/Research-into-Think-Climate.pdf\">Research into Think Climate! Report &#8211; published December 2025<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/2025\/12\/28\/project-in-a-box-think-climate-celebration-at-sheffield-hallam-university-june-2025\/\">Celebration event at Sheffield Hallam &#8211; June 2025<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shu.ac.uk\/news\/all-articles\/latest-news\/think-climate?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Read more about Think Climate!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9649a0d9 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09918.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09918.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09918-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09918-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Celebration event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1152\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09863.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09863.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09863-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/DSC09863-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Climate march at Sheffield Hallam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Pizza-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Pizza-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/08\/Pizza-2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Climate friendly pizza designs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Yorkshire Children\u2019s University helps children and young people build essential life skills through learning activities outside of the classroom. For over a decade, Children\u2019s University has been supporting thousands of pupils across Sheffield \u2013 and more recently in Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley to grow their confidence, motivation and self-esteem. Research shows that children who &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/2025\/08\/21\/think-climate-project-in-a-box\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Think Climate! with South Yorkshire&#8217;s Children\u2019s University&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,4],"tags":[12],"class_list":["post-715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-project-descriptions","category-projects","tag-climate-action"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":944,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/944"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/research.shu.ac.uk\/sustainability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}