New App "Power of EcoBubble"

The National Ecological and Naturalistic Center of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science (NENC) has announced the launch of an entertaining and fun app for young naturalists and eco-activists. Players will gain knowledge of ecology in a fun, interesting way while acquiring habits that are useful in caring for the environment. Meet Eco Bulbashka (EcoBubble). Learn about trees, water use, conscious consumption, trash sorting, and even the Seven Pillars for success in your efforts. And EcoBubble, who knows everything about ecology, will always come to the rescue with valuable advice and eco-wisdom. It's a simple, accessible interface and guarantees fun with learning. Award-winning videos showing young people using their own examples to clean the planet, motivating young learners to take action for themselves and with friends and parents. And because it's bilingual – Ukrainian and English – it also improves language skills, acquainting young users with specialized terminology while expanding and replenishing their vocabulary. Created within the educational program of Innovative Technologies in the Formation of Environmental Education and with the assistance of The Elfenworks Foundation. NENC webpage (in Ukrainian): https://nenc.gov.ua/?p=46552

Learn more here (in Ukrainian)

Power of EcoBubblePower of EcoBubble

Environmental Education in Ukraine

We are looking forward to the day when peace arrives, and the rebuilding begins. We can already envision the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine back actively educating generations of young leaders about environmental science, igniting in them a desire to care for our blue planet, and equipping them in the art of innovation.

Prior to the war, the project principals at the National Ecological and Naturalistic Center of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education (NENC) were beginning to offer hands-on exposure to the environment while also demonstrating the Seven Pillars, methodology that even children can use, and that was introduced to the country in 2017 (see our historical page for details). Our partnership with the NENC started with supporting an Eco Action Day 2020 and for the educational magazine, Sprout. The eco-action day included a master class for children from a dendrologist and a biologist. The children then planted 100 evergreen thuja trees within the National Ecological and Naturalistic Center territory, in the vicinity of a small lake slated for restoration. At the end of the day, a sign was planted, announcing our support for "Green Alley." The partnership continued with the lake restoration, an Environmental Education Center, and educational films including Power of Water and The Power of Environment.

These projects were conceived, initiated, and implemented using the Seven Pillars methodology, a methodology that the Ministry of Education began teaching children in 2021. Put simply, this Seven Pillars methodology suggests that you follow a vision, focus in an area of skill, work in a non-duplicative fashion, partner with others, share the credit, gather feedback, and stay the course.

Power of Water - Educational Documentary


Recognition

  • 2021 - Best Documentary, Short Film - Indie Online Film Award
  • 2021 - Best Short Film on Environment & Sustainability - One Earth Awards
  • 2021 - Award Winner for Nature & Educational Categories - White Unicorn International Film Festival
  • 2021 - Finalist, Best Short - Ocean Beach Film Festival
  • 2022 - Finalist - The Golden Hour Film Festival
  • 2021 - Semi-Finalist, International Best Short Films & General Films (Length Features, Animation, Clips) - Asian Rivers Film Festival
  • 2021 - Official Selection - Sustainable Stories Film Festival
  • 2021 - Official Selection - Brussels Capital Film Festival

The Power of Environment - Educational Documentary


Recognition

  • 2022 - Award Winner for Nature & Educational Categories - White Unicorn International Film Festival
  • 2022 - Award Winner for Educational Film - Christian Online Film Festival
  • 2022 - Finalist - Vesuvius International Film Festival
  • 2022 - Official Selection - Iconic Images Film Festival
  • 2022 - Official Selection - Golden Harvest Film Festival
  • 2022 - Official Selection - San Diego Movie Awards
  • 2022 - Official Selection - Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film Festival
  • 2022 - Official Selection - Arizona Faith & Family Film Festival
  • 2022 - Official Selection - LA Independent Women Film Awards

Educator Resources

Teachers may use this to teach children the 7 pillars, more info on eco-ed can be found here.

Animals in lake illusrating the 7 pillars

Lake Restoration Project - How it Started and Progress Prior to the War

Eco Action Day 2020

Lake Reopening Master Class