Water, Air, Soil - What is your Superpower?

In implementing the project ‘Water, Air, Soil - What is your Superpower?’, we wanted to achieve several key objectives. First and foremost, we wanted to raise environmental awareness among young p...

In implementing the project ‘Water, Air, Soil - What is your Superpower?’, we wanted to achieve several key objectives. First and foremost, we wanted to raise environmental awareness among young people and foster attitudes of environmental responsibility. Students were not only to learn about the dangers of air, water and soil pollution, but also to learn how to analyse and counteract them in practice. Another aim was to develop STEM skills through the use of modern technologies, such as drones and robots, in environmental research, which supports the development of competences useful for non-formal education and future careers. We also wanted to support the return to active social life after the isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the project creating a space for face-to-face collaboration, sharing experiences and rebuilding peer relationships that were restricted during the pandemic. We also sought to promote social inclusion, international integration and inspire local communities to take action to protect the environment.

As part of the project ‘Water, Air, Soil - What is your Superpower?’, we realised three key international mobilities: ‘POWER is all around us’ (Poland) - students investigated air pollution using a professional drone. The results were analysed and compiled by the students and shared with the school community and local authorities . ‘Water World’ (Portugal) - activities focused on water management. Participants, using equipment provided from the University of Aveiro laboratory analysed water quality in different locations and presented the results at a meeting with scientists and the community. ‘From Garbage to Garden’ (Croatia) - students investigated soil pollution and also learned about soil management by visiting the Institute of Adriatic Cultures and Reclamation of Karst Areas, where interactive exercises and lectures were held. In addition, we carried out activities to promote the project as well as monitoring and evaluation, which allowed us to assess the effects and adapt the activities to the needs of the participants.

The project ‘Water, Air, Soil - What is your Superpower?’ at the M. Skłodowska-Curie High School No. 1 in Ostrzeszów was successful in raising the environmental awareness of students and teachers. As part of activities carried out in Poland, Portugal and Croatia, participants studied water, soil and air quality, learnt about modern environmental technologies and exchanged experiences. Pupils took part in lectures at universities, workshops and practical activities. As a result of these activities, the students prepared proposals for pro-environmental measures for local authorities, incorporating ideas from different countries. From Poland - supporting the replacement of cookers with modern heating devices, promoting RES, expanding cycling infrastructure, among others. From Portugal - saving water, protecting water ecosystems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. From Croatia - investing in the protection of soil and its biodiversity, supporting measures for sustainable agriculture and monitoring soil health with drones. The project has significantly contributed to increasing youth involvement in environmental protection and international cooperation, providing an impetus for environmental action at the local level.