Roofs have provided people with protection from the forces of nature for thousands of years. By sealing roofs, roof terraces and balconies, insulating the building envelope, greening flat and pitched roofs and installing photovoltaic systems, the roofing trade plays a key role in protecting the climate. At the same time, the aspects of sustainability, environmental and climate protection are also becoming increasingly important to customers. This is why the NEW LIFE initiative supports vocational colleges and training companies in professionally teaching the roofers of tomorrow the importance and implementation possibilities of environmental protection, the circular economy and sustainable recycling products: https://initiative-new-life.de/new-life-macht-schule/dachdecker.
Eight lessons with varied teaching content
The innovative online learning programme for schools and training companies in the roofing trade is divided into eight modular lessons of 90 minutes each. These can be flexibly integrated into lessons and training by teachers and trainers. The topics range from environmental protection and sustainability, the circular economy and raw materials to the practical use of sustainable recycled products made from tyre rubber granulate on (green) roofs, roof terraces and balconies.
To introduce the topic, a short educational film is provided in each lesson, which can be watched and discussed with the class. Suggestions and suitable materials for group work are provided in teamwork modules. For example, pupils can complete an environmental protection checklist, calculate their personal carbon footprint or develop ideas for roof terrace objects made from recycled materials.
Playful communication of sustainable roofing knowledge
In each lesson, a variety of learning games allow the subject matter to be explored in an entertaining and playful way. In UMWELTSCHUTZ-TABU, for example, key environmental protection terms have to be described and guessed by the class. The learning games can be started directly online and played in class, but can also be printed out, played in groups or distributed as "homework".
The offer also includes interactive modules in which the application and design possibilities of sustainable recycled products made from tyre rubber granulate can be intuitively tried out and discovered. With the online floor designer, for example, students can create customised designs for elastic floor coverings made from rubber granulate for roof terraces, balconies and maintenance paths. Another tool can be used to determine the material requirements for surfaces on roofs, roof terraces and balconies.
All eight lessons are rounded off with a quiz to playfully review what has been learnt and to teach additional facts. There are four alternative answers to each question, at least one of which must be correct. The quiz can be played with the whole class in small groups or individually. The correct solution should be discussed briefly afterwards. The quiz questions can be accessed directly online, but can also be printed out.
Sample package to accompany lessons and certificates of participation
Schools, vocational colleges and training companies can request a sample pack free of charge and without obligation in order to better communicate the content in class. The pack contains samples and sample folders of building protection mats for building roofs, impact sound insulation and various floor coverings for roof terraces, maintenance paths and balconies. The package also contains samples of shredded tyre rubber and coloured rubber granules.
The interactive training programme is rounded off with personal certificates of participation. These certify that pupils and trainees have successfully completed the eight lessons, help to motivate them and add value to their application portfolio. The print template for the certificate of attendance can also be downloaded free of charge from the NEW LIFE makes school for roofers teaching portal.
