Innovative future of STEM education and skills - A portal to agreen planet

The idea for the project was born out of a growing concern about the insufficient presence of environmental education in the early years of school. Despite increasing public attention to climate change and sustainability, schools often lack structured and practical approaches to these topics. Our consortium identified a need to introduce students aged 6–13 to environmental concepts in a way that is engaging, interdisciplinary, and rooted in scientific thinking. We applied for this project to support the integration of environmental education in school curricula by using a STEM-based approach. The goal was to help students understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be applied to address real-world ecological challenges. At the same time, we wanted to empower teachers with innovative methodologies and accessible teaching tools. The project also responded to the broader need for European cooperation in building green competences, fostering sustainability values, and improving the quality of education through shared experiences and good practices. We also aimed to raise awareness among educators, decision-makers, and local communities about the importance of early environmental education .

The main objective of the project was to support the integration of environmental education into primary school curricula through a structured, STEM-based approach. We aimed to raise awareness among students about environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable consumption, while simultaneously fostering scientific thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Our goal was to provide schools and teachers with concrete, interdisciplinary tools to teach sustainability in a way that connects science, mathematics, and technology to real-world ecological issues. To achieve this, we planned to develop a research-based methodology, create innovative curricula for students in grades 1–4 and 5–7, and build teacher capacity through targeted training activities. The project also aimed to promote the development of key green competences, encourage collaboration between European educational institutions, and contribute to the long-term transformation of school education in line with the EU’s green and digital priorities. We also intended to support schools in becoming active drivers of environmental awareness in their local communities through dissemination, discussion, and stakeholder engagement.

The project was implemented through a series of structured activities grouped into four main work packages. Under WP1: Project Management, we coordinated tasks, ensured communication, managed finances, and monitored progress. Two transnational meetings were held under WP2, one in Sofia and one in Valencia, to evaluate implementation, redistribute responsibilities, and plan final activities. Under WP3: Research and Development, we conducted three main tasks: (1) analysis of the current state of environmental education in schools, (2) creation of a STEM-based methodology, and (3) development of two curricula for grades 4–7, including 12 complete modules. In WP4: Learning and Teaching Activities, we trained 32 teachers in partner countries who then tested the materials in classrooms. A final multiplier event – the closing seminar "Environmental protection starts from the school desk" – was held in Sofia with 66 participants, including teachers, school leaders, and NGOs. Dissemination took place throughout the project to engage local and European stakeholders.

The project produced several concrete and impactful results. First, we developed a STEM-based methodology for integrating environmental education into primary and lower secondary schools. This framework offers teachers practical guidance on embedding sustainability and climate topics into STEM teaching. The second main output was the creation of two full curricula for students in grades 4–7, each with six modules covering themes such as biodiversity, circular economy, sustainable food, energy, and climate change. The content promotes green competences, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. A total of 32 teachers were trained to apply the materials in real classrooms, resulting in strong engagement and positive feedback. All resources were translated, tested, and shared digitally via partners’ websites and networks for wider use. The final event – the closing seminar “Environmental protection starts from the school desk” – welcomed 66 participants and supported the dissemination of project results to schools, NGOs, and education stakeholders, enabling future cooperation in green education.