BIO KIDS

The objectives of the project related to primary school students were: 1. To be aware of the importance of biodiversity and its conservation and their role in environmental protection. 2. Improv...

The objectives of the project related to primary school students were: 1. To be aware of the importance of biodiversity and its conservation and their role in environmental protection. 2. Improving children's well-being and strengthening the basis of their happiness, preventing biophilia. 3. Improving children's motivation for a responsible attitude towards the nature around them, discovering their eco-psychological self; 4. Improving self-efficacy, productivity, and concentration of children through research activities; The aims of the project related to primary teachers were: 1. Improving teachers' knowledge about biodiversity, social and emotional skills, and their practical application in teaching. 2. Creating awareness about the potential of non-educational activities in schools. 3. Prevention of biophobia and promotion of biophilia (primary connection of people with nature). 4. Applying biodiversity teaching to different subjects rather than biology or science.

The BIO KIDS manual of good practice was developed with the aim of showcasing the methodology for gathering effective teaching practices in the field of biodiversity. The key objective was for each partner to compile a list of 10 exemplary teaching practices, resulting in a total of 40 practices for the project. To achieve this, the partners embarked on an analysis of existing knowledge and identified areas where gaps in understanding and teaching of biodiversity existed. Subsequently, a methodology was devised to facilitate the selection of at least 20 good practices that could be included in the manual. The participating organization analyzed and gathered good practices, available options, and curricula under the BIO mindset. Based on this data, we developed the structure of educational content, educational goals, and the specific topics and content itself. The content was utilized to create a Train-the-trainer program, which was supported with training material and e- learning resources. Each organization sent two teachers/trainers to the Learning, Teaching, and Training (LTT) program in Slovenia.Furthermore, every partner conducted one pilot training session in their local environment to test and evaluate the training program.

The BIO KIDS manual of good practices was created for teachers, providing them with innovative methods to teach the complex topic of Biodiversity. The initial outcome facilitated teachers in effortlessly incorporating biodiversity into their respective teaching subjects. By utilizing this manual, students were able to acquire crucial knowledge across various topics covered in the curriculum, promoting a BIO mindset. As a result, educators were able to enhance their informal teaching skills and nurture the creative abilities of their students. A training program and e-learning course were developed specifically for teachers, covering various aspects of Biodiversity and offering guidance on how to effectively teach this subject and foster a green attitude. In the past, there was a prevailing belief among many people that the loss of biodiversity was not a significant problem. This perception often stemmed from a feeling of embarrassment in admitting their lack. The ultimate aim was to have a positive impact on students aged 7 to 11 years. The intention was to establish an early connection to nature, raise awareness about Biodiversity beyond just climate change, and contribute to the development of environmentally responsible adults.