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Making the Environment Matter

How children learn to protect the planet

Throughout history, how have children learned to protect the environment? Can we use the past to inspire future generations to become sustainable citizens? This digital exhibition brings educational artefacts and artworks to life on your screen! The interactive stories encourage visitors of all ages… + Read more

In this exhibition

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  • A green botanical box, also called vasculum, with a gold design of a bird sitting on a pine tree. The vasculum is surrounded by exotic plants and flowers.
  • The first page of the Theatrum Botanicum

Care for a drop of London Monster Soup?

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River monsters and tiny glass creatures

Artist William Heath used depictions of river monsters to push for clean drinking water, while glass artist Rudolf Blaschka was inspired by the jellyfish he observed on a journey across the Atlantic.

A woman dropping her tea-cup in horror upon discovering the monstrous contents of a magnified drop of Thames water; revealing the impurity of London drinking water. Coloured etching by W. Heath.
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Care for a drop of London Monster Soup?
A Blaschka glass model of a jellyfish
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Sea Swindlers! Blue Buttons and Dragons?
Stuffed running gray wild hare, with glass eyes in a museum in front of a red wall.
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Did you know?

The Blaschkas were not only known for their animal and flower glass models; they also made glass eyes for humans and stuffed animals. Next time you visit a museum, you might spot a pair of Blaschka eyes staring back at you.

Create your own learning journey

Customize the stories to fit your classroom activity and share them with your students.

Additional Information

About the exhibition

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Nature has always been an integral part of human existence, and educators have long recognized the importance of connecting children with the natural world. From the late 19th century on, teachers have been trying to spark children's curiosity about nature, leading to the development of various educational activities and tools for environmental education.

As we navigate the challenges of today's complex and ever-changing world, it's more important than ever to inspire future generations to become sustainable citizens. This is where the lessons of the past come into play. 

Through this collaborative exhibition, visitors can explore the rich history of environmental education and discover the stories that have inspired and motivated learners not only since the late 1900s, but over several centuries. The exhibition showcases important milestones in this journey. With interactive stories and engaging resources, visitors can learn from past educational endeavors and explore innovative ways to inspire children to become stewards of the planet.

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