The Hayovel Elementary School in Raanana has recently set up a meteorological station in which measurements are taken of climate conditions – precipitation, humidity and temperature, as part of the extensive activity conducted at the school to promote and assimilate environmental protection values.  The measurements are taken daily by 20 students in grades 5-6.

The meteorological station is part of the Globe Project – an international environmental study project run by the Education Ministry, designed to foster the student’s commitment to sustainable development.

The project activity provides Hayovel students with the skills and extensive knowledge in environmental fields, such as:  use of measurement equipment, basic concepts related to the ecological system; the atmosphere; hydrology; exposure to environmental problems on a local, regional and global level; teaching skills for using and surfing the internet, etc.

Hayovel students enter data into the Globe website, compare them to similar data at other schools in Israel and abroad, and by doing so, they also improve their English skills and form a relationship with other students who are environmental activists in Israel and around the world.

Hayovel Elementary School works to instill values of responsibility, caring and social involvement both at the school and in the community, as part of its program ‘Looking to the Future – Thinking Green’.  The school has established an ecological garden with a pond and natural plants, an animal corner for raising animals and the students monitor the municipal nature and tend to the garden.  The students also collect used batteries, paper, plastic bottles, glass and cans for recycling.

The students recently helped open the birdwatching corner at the Raanana Park to protect wild birds at the Raanana Park.  The corner includes feeding and drinking stations, nesting corners, an observation spot and a bulletin board with the names of the birds that visit the site.

Mayor Nahum Hofree:  This program joins our extensive list of educational activities designed to raise awareness, understanding and respect for the environment among our students, and I am proud that Raanana’s children have enlisted to work on behalf of a healthier and greener environment.”