CLIMAte coalition eXchange of best practices
▶Summary
Applying for a project related to climate change allowed us to contribute towards addressing a critical global issue. It provided an opportunity to actively participate in efforts to mitigate environmental challenges, promote sustainability, and make a positive impact on the planet's future. Additionally, working on such a project enabled us to gain valuable experience, broaden our skill set, and collaborate with like-minded individuals passionate about environmental stewardship. Participating in a CLIMAX project involving school children offered valuable benefits. It educates the younger generation about environmental responsibility, fosters a sense of activism, and empowers them to make sustainable choices. Additionally, the project contributed to raising awareness on a larger scale, encouraging communities to take collective action against climate change. Increasing school children's awareness of climate change is crucial. Implementing educational programs, incorporating environmental studies into the curriculum, and organizing eco-friendly activities can help instill a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable practices among the younger generation.
▶Objectives
To promote awareness of climate change through STEAM approaches (Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Mathematics) to the investigation of naturally occurring geographic and meteorological processes including The Global Ocean Conveyor Belt, The Greenhouse Effect, Soil Erosion and the Water Cycle. To apply students’ knowledge and understanding of naturally occurring geographic and meteorological to inquiry into how they might be impacted by the effects of climate change and related issues of renewable energy, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable practices. To engage students in hands-on activities, field trips, and discussions to foster a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. To Encourage critical thinking about the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and math with environmental issues to empower students to arrive at conclusions and solutions of their own. STEAM approaches can play a crucial role in raising students’ awareness of the key processes, issues and possible solutions. It promotes the development of innovative solutions, sustainable technologies, and data-driven approaches to understand and mitigate environmental challenges. Through STEAM education and research
▶Activities
Activities implemented within the CLIMAX: - Regular working online meetings and working in smaller teams of partners organisations; - Transnational Project meetings; - Multiplier events for target groups/ associated partners; - Dissemination activities; - Quality Plan; Project result 1 - Toolkit for teachers and students: A1 - preliminary common background definition on climate change; A2 - common definition of the methodology and the regional action plan (stem course and curriculum for teaching students about climate change); A3 - regional assessment on regional awareness and existing actions in all partner's regions educational institutions; A4 - transnational online workshops to train and directly improve the skills and competences of teachers about climate change awareness educational methodology; A5 - online platform for teachers, experts and students - hosting training materials, tutorials and videos; A6 - each project partner implemented a piloting program in regional schools; Project result 2 - Guidelines A7 - feedback and data from piloting were collected and the toolkit and the guidelines were created.
▶Impact
Since the aim of the project was enhancing climate change awareness and knowledge among both teachers and students, the Toolkit and the Guidelines went through the development process. Finally, they provided valuable and structured resources and methods for effective education on this important topic. By incorporating these resources into education, it helped foster a better understanding of the challenges and solutions related to climate change, empowering individuals to make informed decisions for a more sustainable future.Toolkit and the Guidelines played a crucial role for school children and their teachers to engage with the complex subject of climate change through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) approaches. They collected and interpreted data to comprehend the intricate interactions and consequences associated with climate change. Both, teachers and the students explored the impact of human activities on the environment, studying temperature trends, carbon emissions, and weather patternsThrough hands-on experiments, data analysis, and technological tools, students gained a practical understanding of the scientific principles underlying climate change. This immersive learning experience fostered a holistic comprehension of environmental issues, empowering the next generation to contribute actively to addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This journey improved and supported a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind climate science and encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, it was fun, passion and joy. Last, but not least, this approach empowers the younger generation to be proactive contributors to a sustainable future.