The interconnection of all life was highlighted and celebrated at Somersfield Academy’s recent United Nations Day Celebration. The purpose behind the connected class projects was to expose students to global issues that are affecting people and the natural world alike. The intention was to encourage them to be reflective thinkers with an international mindset, people who understand how deeply connected we all are and who make decisions that demonstrate their principled and caring nature.The activities held on the morning of February 28 comprised a series of oral presentations, video clips and posters, dioramas and demonstrations presenting different levels of inquiry on similar topics. At 10am students in the Middle Years programme gave a presentation to parents on the United Nations in the gymnasium; at 10.30am it was the younger students’ turn.The 9 to 11 students began with a welcome and four podcasts that gave an overview of what they’ve been learning: environmental issues in Bermuda and around the world, and the role of the UN in dealing with those environmental issues. Topics included flight and the innovation in space technology and the examination of several biomes, including the temperate deciduous forest, the tropical rainforest, the artic tundra and marine biomes, so vital to Bermuda’s environmental and economic well-being.Four powerpoint presentations explored how global warming and climate change affected Bermuda and other coastal communities, biodiversity and the threats it faced, and the status of Bermuda’s sea turtles.Following the presentations, parents were encouraged to take a closer look at the displays ranged around the gymnasium. This covered a broad spectrum of topics, from the general, food web and inland waters, to the very specific, an interesting exploration of Dr Gordon Salo’s efforts to reforest coastal Eritrea with mangroves, transforming the quality of life of the area’s inhabitants.The morning closed with parents sharing a picnic with the children and enjoying the environs of the school.