Award SMART Goals

Explore our collection of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Smart Goals and find your next challenge

My goal is to improve my overall astronomy skills by participating in at least one astronomy-themed event within 6 months. I will attend either an online astronomy course or a local one (offered through my school or community) two days per week for 1 hour and will practice independently for an additional 1 hour each day. I will also attend an astronomy club meeting or lecture once a month to gain more knowledge and resources. I will participate in an astronomy outreach event at the end of the 6 month period to demonstrate my acquired knowledge.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Aquarium Keeping

Goal for Fishing in Environment / Nature under Skills Category for teenagers 14-18 years old to complete within 3 months: To improve my overall fishing skills by catching 3 different species of fish in natural waters within 3 months. I will attend a local Fishing 101 class to learn basic fishing techniques and join weekly fishing trips with experienced fishermen to practice and to learn skills. I will prioritize safety and follow the fishing regulations in my local area.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Dog Training and Handling

Goal for Horse Care and Handling in Environment / Nature under Skills Category for teenagers 14-18 years old, to be completed within 12 months: To improve my overall horse care and handling skills by taking responsibility for looking after a horse at a stable environment within the year. I will perform basic care such as grooming, feeding, exercising, and cleaning at least once a week. I will also focus on nature skills such as observing horses in their natural environment, interacting with horses safely and naturally, respecting horses for their individuality and personalities, and understanding the needs of horses in different environments. I will attend courses on horse management and handling twice a month for 2 hours and will practice my skills with a horse an additional 2 hours per week.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Geology

My goal is to become an expert in Bird Watching in Environment/Nature by participating in bird watching activity at least twice a week for 3 months, identifying 10 bird species and achieving a score of 90% or above on a recognized bird watching exam within 6 months. I will use my weekends to gain more knowledge by attending birding clubs and conferences, joining bird watching tours and reading birding books. I will also use different Bird Watching applications to access bird sounds. Additionally, I will dedicate 1 hour of research every week to gain more knowledge in the field.

Bee Keeping, Skills, Environment / Nature

Goal: To develop a deep understanding of plant science by participating in 8-10 outdoors nature activities over 6 months that focus on the study of plants in their natural environment. I will attend weekly classes with a naturalist in my local area and volunteer for 2 hours a week in a nearby garden or nature conservatory. I will also have a running journal to document my findings of the different plants that I observe in nature.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Keeping Pets

My goal for studying insects in environment/nature is to identify at least 30 different species of local insects in my region and to create a guide (in either written form or digital form) within the next 3 months. I will attend a local bug identification class once a week and conduct additional research at least 3 hours a week. By the end of the project, I will be able to identify the most common local insects and accurately articulate the habits and life cycles of each species.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Plant Study

My goal for Forestry in Environment / Nature under Skills category for teenagers aged 14-18 is to identify and be able to name 10 different types of trees from the North American region, within 6 months. To achieve this goal, I will attend a local tree ID class once a week for 1 hour, spend an additional hour per week researching trees online and studying material provided in the classes and practice identifying the trees on weekend hikes.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Fishing

My goal for Other in Environment / Nature under Skills Category is to gain a basic understanding of and familiarity with various environmental and/or nature topics. Within 3, 6, or 12 months I will research specific topics, volunteer with an environmental or nature organization, and attend workshops and classes related to the environment or nature. I will also use this opportunity to develop research and problem-solving skills and promote awareness of environmental and nature topics.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Weather Studies / Meteorology

My goal is to become knowledgeable in Horticultural practices and enhance my environment and nature skills by completing a 3-month project in which I will research horticultural methods and apply them in the creation of a garden. During the project I will utilize resources such as public libraries and online materials to study horticulture methods, attend workshops, and keep track of progress on the project. By the end of the 3 months, I will take pride in my accomplishment by displaying the results of my hard work and dedication.

Environment / Nature, Horse care and handling, Skills

My goal is to become proficient in Geology in Environment / Nature by the end of 12 months. To do this I will attend Geology courses at least twice a week for 1.5 hours and complete assignments to increase my understanding and application of the subject. In addition, I will sign up for field trips, do volunteer work or participate in community events related to Geology to apply the concepts and gain hands-on experience. I will also join or create a club or group of like-minded students to share ideas, resources and knowledge.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Gardening

My goal is to become an eco-friendly teen aquarium keeper within 12 months. I will research sustainable aquarium keeping practices, such as methods for reducing my aquarium-related carbon footprint, conservation techniques for keeping water clean, and which types of fish and plants are best suited for my aquarium. I will also make a budget for my aquarium and plan for weekly maintenance and regular water changes. I will also attend aquatic life-related events, such as educational aquascaping workshops, to gain more knowledge on the topic.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Anthropology

Goal: Within 12 months, I will significantly improve my animal husbandry skills by actively participating in at least 2 hands-on animal husbandry training workshops or events. I will attend lectures, demonstrations and seminars related to animal husbandry at least twice a month and dedicate 2 hours weekly to practice at a local animal welfare agency or nearby farm. I will also monitor my progress by keeping a log of my achievements.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Agriculture / Farming

My goal is to improve my knowledge and understanding of Indoor Plants in Environment / Nature by researching and studying different species of indoor plants within 3 months. I will dedicate 2 hours a week learning about the different species, their natural growth patterns and prominent characteristics. I will also conduct experiments with different soils and light levels in order to understand the different needs for each plant. I will also learn about the environmental benefits of having indoor plants in my home. At the end of the 3 months, I will give a presentation to my peers about my findings.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Horticulture

Goal: To improve my overall beekeeping skills by participating in at least two beekeeping club meetings within 3 months. I will read and research at least two articles on beekeeping and its importance each week. Additionally, I will observe two beehives and document the behavior of the bees and their ecological environment. Finally, I will visit a bee farm and discuss beekeeping practices with a beekeeper.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Aviation

My goal for English in Foreign Languages under the Skills Category is to attain a Beginner Level B1 certification in English as a Foreign Language within 3 months. I will attend English classes twice a week for 3 hours each session, and will practice at home for 1 hour per day. I will also take online classes as necessary to support my language development and complete an additional 1 hour of practice per day. I will take an English language proficiency test to ensure that I’ve achieved my desired level of proficiency.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Other

My goal is to increase my knowledge and understanding of aviation safety in the environment and nature by participating in a 3-month aviation program centered around sustainability and piloting of a single-engine aircraft. I will attend a total of 12 hours of training sessions, four times a week focusing on airplane safety, environmental regulations, and navigation. To track my progress, I will complete 6 online quizzes and 2 in-person flight simulations during my program. Additionally, I will research 3 current events related to aviation in the environment and nature and write an essay about the impact of aviation on the environment and nature. At the end of my program, I will receive certification in Aviation Safety and Sustainability from a local flight school.

Environment / Nature, Astronomy, Skills

My goal for Anthropology in Environment/ Nature under Skills Category is to learn to identify and interpret environmental patterns and changes within my local community and surrounding region in a 3-month timeframe by attending two online courses about Anthropology and Environment/Nature and performing 10 hours of field practice with an expert in my local community. I will self-evaluate my progress regularly and will accept feedback from my mentor to track my progress. I will also write a paper and present my findings to a local organization or professional association in my community at the end of the 3-month timeframe.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Animal Husbandry

My goal for Conservation in Environment/Nature under Skills Category for teenagers 14-18 years old is to reduce my ecological footprint by 20% within the next 6 months. To do this, I will reduce my energy and water consumption by using reusable materials and alternative energy sources, reduce my food waste through composting and cycling, and commit to recycling and reducing excess product packaging. I will also commit to educating myself and others about the importance of conservation by attending environment awareness workshops, reading environmental books, and participating in local activities organized to preserve our environment and nature. I will track my progress and evaluate my success every 2 weeks.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Bird Watching

My goal is to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment and nature by keeping pet animals for at least 3 months, as part of a beginner’s program. I will select and purchase the appropriate breeds suitable for my environment and attend the necessary classes on pet care, grooming and nutrition. I will also research animal welfare and protection laws, rules and regulations, and endeavor to follow local practices for taking care of wildlife. I will spend time outdoors exploring nature reserves and engaging in activities like hiking, swimming, and camping with my pet. I will document my progress and share it with my peers.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Indoor Plants

My goal is to increase my understanding of the Earth’s climate and weather systems by studying meteorology within 3 months. I will research the leading meteorology texts and attend online seminars, ensuring I understand and can apply the key principles of meteorology. I will practice forecasting the weather through online tools and through field trips to observe the elements in action. I will also record and analyze any local patterns in order to develop a better understanding of meteorology.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Study of Insects

Goal: To improve my gardening skills by establishing a vegetable garden in 3 months, I will spend 1 hour every day researching and planning a suitable garden layout and plant selection, 1 hour each day outside doing maintenance works and one hour each week ordering the necessary gardening tools and materials. I will also attend gardening classes in my local community to learn more about gardening in my local environment and nature habitats.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Forestry

Goal: Within the next 3 months, I will improve my overall Dog Training and Handling skills in natural environments by attending dog training sessions at least once a week and by completing an online course on the subject. I will practice my skills in outdoor locations – with my own dog, with other trained dogs, and in familiar and unfamiliar territory- to become proficient in handling and training canine companions. I will track my progress with a Dog Training and Handling log to measure my growth and development.

Skills, Environment / Nature, Conservation