Students reimagine themselves as the lead character in a story - an animated film, game or graphic novel - who takes action to defend a specific part of the natural world.
They reflect on the kind of action that appeals to them and the hurdles that hold them back, and give both a character. By the end of the session, each student has the foundations of a resonant mental image of themselves as the protagonist in a story of action, a narrative that will serve as a support, motivator, and North Star for their real life action journey ahead.
Set in the real world, an underwater realm, an ancient kingdom or a far-future galaxy, metaphorical storytelling lets students explore real-world agency through whatever lens inspires them.
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Key Output: Character profile and visual concept
Students: 20-200, depending on school support staff
Age Group: Years 7-13, with depth scaled to age
Duration: Flexible, 2-4 hours
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Be the hero of your own story.
Students explore what type of action resonates with them, then design a protagonist who embodies that action to defend a chosen ecosystem.
Imagination over doom.
Young people often feel anxiety and overwhelm in the face of environmental issues. Here students visualise a better outcome, and create a story in which their character acts to make it happen.
Rooted in your region.
Ahead of the session, we work with your team (and local NGO partners, where applicable), to choose a local ecosystem and its real threats, so the issue feels tangible and manageable, not global and overwhelming.
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By taking part in the Earth Defenders: Character Hackathon, students will:
Create an original character concept: a visual design, short profile, setting, central challenge and a sense of how the character’s choices shape the world around them. It forms the start of a story world and a first piece for their portfolio.
Imagine themselves as a protagonist who protects a local ecosystem - an inspiring character they can return to for motivation.
Connect creativity to a real challenge: explore a regional ecosystem and ground the character’s mission in the threats and actions already underway.
Explore their strengths and modes of action: identify personal attributes, reflect on the approaches that resonate and give a personal hurdle a character, building self-awareness and a positive self-identity.
Build a sense of agency: approach environmental topics with a solution-oriented mindset, supporting your school’s focus on resilience and community-minded learners.
INDUSTRY MENTORSHIP
Our Short Courses are led by storytellers, directors and artists with extensive experience in film, TV, animation and digital media.
FAQ - SHORT COURSES
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“Animated for Impact led a whole Upper School session at Green School, and they did an amazing job connecting with our young people about why storytelling is a powerful way to move us to respond to climate and biodiversity breakdown. The team was easy to work with and keen to connect afterward with our students, guiding them and asking questions. Great job, and thank you!”
— Benjamin Freud
Head of Upper School & Strategic Lead,
Regenerative Education
Green School Bali
