SINGAPORE \u2013 Teaching your kids about sustainability can often feel too serious. But it does not have to be.<\/p>\n
From museum programmes curated for children to nature camps to a new quiz book, the June school holidays offer fun ways for parents to raise eco-conscious kids.<\/p>\n
The latest edition of Children\u2019s Season, for instance, is anchored on the theme of sustainability. Running from May 30 to June 28, the festival features free and ticketed activities across 21 museums and institutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy encouraging children to learn about sustainability in fun and engaging ways, we hope to spark a sense of curiosity in them to discover their crucial role in saving planet Earth,\u201d says Ms Asmah Alias, director of galleries, exhibitions and museums at HeritageSG, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board which organises immersive museum and heritage experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn sowing the seeds of care today, we believe that our children will emerge as resourceful guardians of our future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also released in time for the school holidays is a new book, Quiz Champs: Tackling Climate Change With Biogirl MJ, written by science teacher-turned-content creator Kong Man Jing.<\/p>\n
Kong is best known as Biogirl MJ, the energetic host behind Just Keep Thinking, a science and nature education channel across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren are inheriting the future of our planet, so climate change will directly shape the world they grow up in \u2013 from food security and public health to biodiversity and extreme weather events,\u201d Kong tells The Straits Times.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut rather than approaching the topic through fear, I believe it is important to help children understand that they can also be part of the solution.\u201d<\/p>\n
By introducing these concepts early, she believes children can better grasp how their daily actions impact the environment and society.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey also develop empathy, problem-solving skills and a stronger sense of responsibility towards their communities and the natural world,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Here are holiday activities to keep your kids entertained and engaged while learning how to protect Earth.<\/p>\n The Wetland Wanderers\u2019 camp takes children on an adventure around Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Marshes.<\/p>\n PHOTO: OUTDOOR SCHOOL SINGAPORE<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Where does water come from and where does it go? Why is it important to save this resource? Growing up with a clean, endless supply at the turn of a tap, your children may not realise Singapore is one of the world\u2019s most water-stressed nations.<\/p>\n The Water Trekkers holiday camp aims to help them cultivate responsible water habits and learn to keep waterways clean and sustainable.<\/p>\n During the three-day programme, kids will investigate the canals and streams at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Sembawang Park with the guidance of experienced instructors.<\/p>\n This is one of many nature-based camps organised by Outdoor School Singapore, which was started by pre-school operator NTUC First Campus in 2019.<\/p>\n Separately, its Wetland Wanderers programme takes children on an adventure around Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Marshes. While exploring the mangrove ecosystem, they can spot wildlife such as tree-climbing crabs, mudskippers and perhaps even crocodiles.<\/p>\n This camp also builds teamwork and problem-solving skills as they crack clues to locate hidden wildlife and plants during a scavenger hunt.<\/p>\n Both three-day activities are recommended for children aged seven to nine. Each camp costs $381.50 inclusive of GST and runs from 9am to 3pm daily across various dates in June. Some sessions have already sold out. Find out more at str.sg\/66aK<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Quiz Champs: Tackling Climate Change With Biogirl MJ is written by science educator Kong Man Jing.<\/p>\n PHOTO: JUST KEEP THINKING<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Quiz time: Only trees can absorb carbon dioxide \u2013 true or false? Do you know what \u201cgreenwashing\u201d means? Or what green corridors are?<\/p>\n These are a few of the thought-provoking questions packed into the new children\u2019s book Quiz Champs: Tackling Climate Change With Biogirl MJ, written by science educator Kong Man Jing.<\/p>\n Better known to young fans as Biogirl MJ, Kong is the host and co-founder of Just Keep Thinking, a science and nature channel across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.<\/p>\n Published by WS Education as part of the Quiz Champs science series, the 171-page book features questions curated for primary-school children. Kong aimed for the content to complement what they are already learning in their school syllabus.<\/p>\n \u201cAs someone who creates environmental education content regularly, I also drew inspiration from common misconceptions and questions frequently raised by young audiences during workshops, school talks and online interactions,\u201d the 32-year-old educator says.<\/p>\n The book starts with foundational concepts such as weather, greenhouse gases and ecosystems before gradually introducing more complex topics like renewable energy, biodiversity loss, food systems and climate solutions.<\/p>\n Readers will find a mix of formats, ranging from fun facts to riddles to multiple-choice, scenario-based and discussion-style questions.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>
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