Green Cross Australia has launched the first interactive iPad magazine designed to bring environmental education to young Australians is launched today by Green Cross Australia.

"The Green Lane Diary iPad magazine is written for Australian students with Australian content and aligned with the national curriculum," says Ms Mara Bún, Chief Executive of Green Cross Australia.

"And the emphasis is on fun. It is right at the cutting edge of digital communications, with playful features allowing students to swipe and tap to reveal information, play videos and even interact.

"Students can log actions they take, tweet comments and share stories about their projects on a digital map," said Ms Bún.

The iPad magazine concept combines the latest research in education by making the teaching material relevant to the real world, linking students in a learning community and using technology which has a powerful capacity to engage students.

Green Cross Australia's educational program, The Green Lane Diary is designed for 8 to 13 year old students and aims to inform and empower students.  The content explored includes water, waste, energy and biodiversity and encourages students to confront the stresses on the planet and embrace sustainable living practices.

The iPad magazine is supported by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

"This generation of students will be leaders in fifteen to twenty years time.

"It's so important they understand their world and are engaged and informed, and we are confident this iPad magazine will inspire them," says Ms Bún.

The iPad magazine is launched today as part of the National Science week celebrations at Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra.

The Green Lane Diary iPad magazine can be downloaded from the App Shop for free.

It complements an in-school program and website www.greenlanediary.org, winner of the Best Education Website award in the 2010 Australian Web Awards.

Green Cross Australia is delighted to share its excitement about this important new environmental education resource with our partners.

Testamonials for the Green Lane Diary

 

Science is all about discovering our natural world by observation, experiment and thinking. This new iPad magazine will help young Australians understand the world around them through science.

 

- CSIRO Fellow Dr. Michael Raupach, of CSIRO's Marine and Atmospheric Research Division.

The Green Building Council of Australia is a proud supporter of the Green Lane Diary program.  This new iPad magazine will engage and inspire more students, teachers and parents to improve the sustainability of their schools.

 

- GBCA Chief Executive, Ms Romilly Madew.