Bhutan: the carbon-negative wonder.
With 60% forest cover protected by its Constitution, clean hydropower, and deep cultural respect for nature, Bhutan absorbs more carbon than it emits. By 2030, it aims for zero waste, zero net emissions, and an all-electric future proving that even a small nation can lead the world in climate action.
Climate change is real, and it’s happening fast. Small temperature rises are causing big problems; droughts, floods, melting glaciers, and rising seas. While the richest nations caused most of the damage, it’s the poorest that suffer first. But one tiny nation is leading by example. Bhutan; 256 times smaller than the USA, yet one of the greenest countries on Earth. It proves that small countries can take big action against climate change.
Climate change is real, and it’s happening fast. Small temperature rises are causing big problems; droughts, floods, melting glaciers, and rising seas. While the richest nations caused most of the damage, it’s the poorest that suffer first. But one tiny nation is leading by example. Bhutan; 256 times smaller than the USA, yet one of the greenest countries on Earth. It proves that small countries can take big action against climate change.
Math is everywhere. It's within us, in nature, and in the world around us. From counting our fingers to the petals of a flower, the windows of a Bhutanese house, or the seeds of an apple, numbers follow fascinating patterns. One of the most amazing is the Fibonacci sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8,13 …), a pattern found throughout nature and life itself.
The video explores the unique Bhutanese tradition of making and enjoying Suja, or butter tea, a staple Himalayan beverage made from tea leaves, yak butter, salt, and water. Through visually rich shots and step-by-step instructions, it demonstrates the preparation process, from boiling tea and adding salt to churning in a traditional Jha tschum. The film also highlights the cultural significance of Suja in Bhutanese social life and festivals, its health benefits, and the science behind its ingredients, while emphasizing eco-friendly practices in sourcing and cooking. Finally, it showcases the tea being served, celebrating both tradition and flavor in a warm, communal setting.
Food tells stories, connects generations, and reflects culture.
In this episode of The Royal Academy Learning Experiences, we explore Baktsimakhu, a sweet, butter-rich dish from Bumthang. Guided by Aum Tshering Dema, we uncover its history, unique conch-like shapes, and royal palace roots, while learning how to prepare it step by step. A traditional recipe with deep cultural flavor, passed down to inspire the next generation.
Jomja: a taste of tradition and family togetherness.
In this episode, we explore Jomja, a traditional dish from Paro, prepared during Lomba and Bongko festivals. Made with rice, eggs, butter, walnuts, and perilla seeds, this special dish celebrates the harvest and brings families together, with each member playing a part in its preparation. From flattening the rice base to making the rich gravy, we uncover the flavors, techniques, and cultural stories behind Jomja; a true reflection of Bhutanese heritage.
The video takes viewers on a fun, kid-friendly journey of making Hoentey, a traditional Bhutanese dumpling from the Haa Valley. Through playful demonstrations, the hosts show the ingredients, preparation, and cooking, steaming or pan-frying, while sharing the cultural significance of Hoentey during Lomba, Bhutan’s New Year celebrations. With colorful visuals, slow-motion shots, and lively reactions, the video highlights the joy of cooking, family traditions, and the flavorful experience of dipping Hoentey in Ezay sauce, ending with a cheerful celebration of Bhutanese culinary heritage.
Khuru, Nature, and the Physics of Flight.
In this episode of The Royal Academy Learning Experiences, we explore Bhutan’s indigenous sport, Khuru, to understand projectile motion. From ancient games to volcanoes, eagles, and archerfish, humans have long learned from nature to project objects. We trace the history of projectiles, the math behind them, and how these principles even helped launch Bhutan-1 into orbit. Along the way, we see how aerodynamics shaped by air and water in nature.
Projectile Motion in Action: From Khuru to the Cosmos.
In this episode of The Royal Academy, Learning Experiences, we explore how objects move through the air as projectiles. Using Bhutan’s traditional game of Khuru, we explain vertical and horizontal motion, the effect of gravity, and parabolic trajectories. From satellites orbiting Earth to seeds dispersing in nature and even sneezes, projectiles are everywhere. Understanding their motion not only deepens our grasp of physics but can even help improve your Khuru game.
Projectile motion is all around us. From a Khuru flying through the air to satellites orbiting Earth, objects move under gravity in a predictable way. Vertical motion changes due to gravity while horizontal motion stays constant. By using simple equations and trigonometry, we can calculate their path, speed, and direction. From seed dispersal to volcanoes, from games to space, the mathematics of projectiles helps us understand and predict motion in nature and everyday life.
In this video, we explore the magic of the Golden Ratio and its connection to the Fibonacci Sequence. From the spirals of ferns and snail shells to the human body, famous artworks, and architecture, we uncover how this divine proportion shapes the world around us. Discover how math is hidden in nature and design, and learn to spot the Golden Ratio everywhere in daily life.
In this episode, we explore the soul of Bhutanese architecture, where tradition, culture, and nature shape every building. From iconic valley structures to humble homes, discover how master carpenters create functional, elegant, and energy-efficient buildings without plans, using locally sourced materials and age-old techniques. Experience the harmony of wooden frames, rammed earth walls, intricate cornices, and sacred decorations, and see how every detail reflects Bhutan’s rich heritage and spiritual essence.
In this episode, we explore Bhutan’s rich architectural heritage, from majestic Dzongs to serene monasteries and sacred Chortens, where spirituality, culture, and tradition shape every structure. Discover how these buildings, crafted with local materials and masterful carpentry, blend beauty, symbolism, and functionality. From prayer wheels and intricate murals to golden rooftops and sacred altars, Bhutanese architecture is a living reflection of the nation’s identity, faith, and timeless craftsmanship.
In this episode, we uncover the legendary journey of Terton Sherab Mebar, the first treasure revealer in Bhutan. From his miraculous childhood in Tibet to his arduous journey across mountains, Sherab followed the prophecy of Guru Padmasambhava to reveal sacred treasures and guide people. Facing skepticism, challenges, and miraculous signs, he traversed valleys, lakes, and cliffs, discovering both spiritual and physical treasures while leaving an enduring mark on Bhutanese heritage. His story culminates at Pangbisa, a hidden village with the ancient Ugyen Guru Lhakhang, where the stage is set for the next chapter of his extraordinary life.
This episode delves into the mystical events surrounding Terton Sherab Mebar in Pangbisa, where, despite local skepticism, he attempts to reveal the sacred treasures of Nub Tshonaparta. Using his supernatural powers, he holds the lake’s water in his mouth, allowing carpenters to retrieve a golden pillar and other artifacts, but their greed leads to chaos. Water gushes, treasures scatter, and lakes form wherever the sacred items are dropped. Fleeing to Tegola, only a cymbal remains, preserved for special occasions, while a local deity mediates an enduring agreement between Pangbisa and Haa. Today, the relics, including a stone mongoose, are displayed annually, preserving the legend and spiritual significance of this mystical town.
Bees are nature’s tiny superheroes, essential for humans and the entire ecosystem. In a hive, one queen rules, thousands of worker bees do all the work, and a few drones mate with the queen. With 5 eyes, 2 wings, a straw-like tongue, and 170 smell sensors, bees are perfectly built to fly, forage, and pollinate. They produce honey which is the only food that never spoils and is packed with nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. Their hexagonal honeycombs are engineering marvels, storing maximum honey with minimal wax. From buzzing flowers to golden honey, bees are hardworking, precise, and absolutely amazing!
Bhutan’s honeybees are tiny powerhouses, essential for people and the planet. From the native Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, and Trigona species, these bees pollinate flowers, produce raw, unfiltered honey, and support local livelihoods. Beekeepers nurture hives in pristine environments, adapting traditional and modern methods, yet face challenges from climate, pests, and disease. With every jar of honey and one in three bites of our food depending on them, bees remind us to protect nature, plant flowers, go chemical-free, and support local beekeepers to keep the buzz alive.
Weather is what we see daily, while climate is the long-term pattern. Together, they shape our clothes, crops, houses, and livestock. Mountains, valleys, temperature, and rainfall create different conditions. A climatologist studies these patterns. Bhutan, with its unique climate zones, rich biodiversity, and carbon-negative policies, truly stands out.
In this episode, we explore the rich tradition of Bhutanese weaving, where nature, culture, and creativity come together in every thread. From dyes made of plants and minerals to intricate patterns passed down through generations, weaving in Bhutan is more than a craft, it is a ritual of love, a symbol of identity, and a reflection of the country’s history, beliefs, and connection with the natural world. Each fabric tells a story, carrying spiritual motifs, social significance, and the beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes and traditions.
In this episode, we celebrate the extraordinary art of Bhutanese weaving, where every textile is a masterpiece crafted with patience, skill, and heart. From intricate patterns inspired by nature and religion to vibrant colors created from natural dyes, these handwoven fabrics carry centuries of tradition and cultural identity. Each pattern, from the eternal knot to the Tree of Life, tells a story of heritage, spirituality, and family. Bhutanese weaving continues to thrive, blending timeless techniques with modern materials while receiving support from the royal family, communities, and institutions, preserving this unique craft for future generations.
Bhutan is a shining example of how nature and culture can coexist in harmony. With over 69% forest cover, protected by five national parks, four wildlife sanctuaries, and a nature reserve, the country is the world’s first carbon-negative nation. Its ecosystems; from tiny garden creatures to vast forests, Bhutan thrive on interconnectedness, or tendrel, where every plant, animal, and human action creates a ripple effect. Producers, consumers, and decomposers form a balanced food web powered by the sun, while forests act as carbon sinks, protect water, and nurture biodiversity. Bhutanese spirituality and science converge to safeguard these natural treasures, reminding us that by caring for forests, managing waste, and respecting the environment, we sustain life and ensure a healthier tomorrow for all.
Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning takes us on a lyrical journey through the depth and breadth of love. Divided into an octave and a sestet, the poem’s 14 lines explore enduring affection, expressed in elegant iambic pentameter and a structured rhyme scheme (ABBA ABBA CDCDCD). Through student performances, animated illustrations, and rhythmic visuals, the sonnet comes alive, highlighting the musicality, emotion, and timeless beauty of Browning’s words. This poetic exploration not only celebrates love but also demonstrates the artistry and structure that make sonnets a magical form of expression.
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 celebrates the steadfast nature of true love through a carefully crafted 14-line structure, divided into three quatrains and a final rhyming couplet. Using iambic pentameter and the ABAB-CDCD-EFEF-GG rhyme scheme, the sonnet flows like music, building a story in the quatrains and delivering a powerful conclusion in the couplet. Through student performances, animated visuals, and rhythmic demonstrations, this exploration brings the magic of Shakespearean sonnets to life, highlighting their timeless beauty, structure, and lyrical precision.
Efficiency is all about doing more with less using the least resources, time, or energy to get the best results. From Aristotle’s curiosity about shapes to Zenodorus’ studies on polygons, mathematics reveals that circles and spheres are the most efficient 2D and 3D forms, maximizing area or volume for a given perimeter or surface. Nature echoes this wisdom: bees build hexagonal honeycombs to store honey and nurture larvae with minimal waste, and snowflakes crystallize in hexagons for strength and beauty. Understanding these principles helps us optimize space, design smarter, and solve real-world problems more effectively.
This video explores the fascinating world of freshwater macroinvertebrates. Tiny water creatures visible to the naked eye, like dragonfly nymphs, crayfish, and worms. Living in streams, rivers, and ponds, they act as janitors of freshwater, indicating water quality, supporting the food chain, and keeping ecosystems healthy. We show how to collect and identify them using simple tools, assess water quality, and understand their crucial role. Finally, the video emphasizes our responsibility to protect water resources through pollution prevention, conservation, and mindful practices, ensuring a sustainable future for all living beings.
This video traces Bhutan’s journey with technology, from the arrival of television in 1999 to the widespread use of the internet, online learning, digital payments, and emerging innovations like AI, VR, and blockchain. It highlights how technology has enhanced education, healthcare, tourism, and cultural preservation while emphasizing the importance of balancing progress with Bhutan’s core values of Gross National Happiness, family, and respect for traditions. The story celebrates responsible tech use, digital literacy, and local content creation, showing that while technology empowers, it must serve the people and protect what truly matters.
This video explores Bhutan’s rich sculpting tradition, highlighting Jimzo clay art and its meticulous process. From mixing special clay to creating intricate sculptures. It also touches on Za Zo pottery and jang chhim walls, showing how these crafts preserve culture, spirituality, and community, support livelihoods, attract tourism, and are passed down to future generations, keeping Bhutan’s artistic heritage alive.
Buddhism teaches that our world is made of five essential elements; space, air, water, fire, and earth, that arise from emptiness and rely on each other to create life, our environment, and even our bodies. Earth gives us structure, water flows as blood, fire brings warmth, air fuels breath, and space allows everything to coexist. Maintaining balance among these elements ensures health, harmony, and the flourishing of all living and non-living things, while disrupting them through pollution or deforestation can upset the delicate system that sustains life.
This episode explores how GPS technology is transforming Bhutan by blending modern innovation with tradition and sustainability. From helping travelers navigate scenic valleys and trekkers traverse mountains, to enabling precise mapping of historical sites, monitoring wildlife, optimizing farming practices, and guiding infrastructure development, GPS has become a vital tool for the nation. Through real-time data and satellite connectivity, it supports emergency response, healthcare delivery, and conservation efforts, all while reinforcing Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Showcasing stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and technological applications, the film highlights how GPS fosters interconnectedness, preserves biodiversity, and opens new possibilities for Bhutan’s future.
This video explores Keshey, a traditional Bhutanese wrestling game, highlighting its history, rules, and cultural significance. From village festivals and legendary wrestlers to modern competitions like Drukgi Nyagö, it showcases the strength, skill, and respect the game requires. Through demonstrations, festive footage, and student cultural activities, the video celebrates Keshey and encourages preserving Bhutan’s indigenous games for future generations.
The video introduces students to the Cosmic Distance Ladder, a step-by-step method astronomers use to measure distances in space. Through engaging classroom and outdoor activities, animations, and hands-on experiments, students explore key techniques; parallax for nearby stars, Cepheid variable stars for galaxies, Type Ia supernovae as standard candles, and redshift for the farthest galaxies. Using simple analogies, visual effects, and interactive demonstrations, the film shows how each “rung” builds on the previous one, helping us measure ever greater cosmic distances and understand the expanding universe.
