Green way forward: experiential environmental education in coastal communities

Summary

The project aimed to strengthen environmental education, support teacher development, and enhance collaboration between European schools through an interdisciplinary approach. Students engaged in hands-on learning on coasts and islands, carried out scientific experiments, developed green skills, and worked collaboratively in teams. Teachers applied modern teaching methods to topics such as marine biodiversity, waste management, and renewable energy. The project fostered EU-wide cooperation and facilitated the exchange of best practices.

"By exploring the sea, we discovered more than just nature — we learned to think critically, act sustainably, and work together for a better future."  

Topic(s) addressed

• Marine water
• Green energy
• Coastal biodiversity
• Atmospheric phenomena
• Democratic learning
• Teamwork
• Critical thinking

Target group(s)  

335 children aged 7–11 from diverse families, including Ukrainian war refugees

Methodologies used

The project employed interdisciplinary, hands-on, and inquiry-based methodologies. Students learned through scientific experiments, outdoor exploration, group projects, and real-life problem-solving. Teachers applied modern, learner-centred approaches that emphasised critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental responsibility. Democratic learning methods promoted student voice, teamwork, and inclusive participation across diverse backgrounds.

Innovation environment

The project’s innovation lies in its interdisciplinary and experiential approach to environmental education. By combining science, sustainability, and civic learning, it engaged students in real-world exploration of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through scientific experiments, teamwork, and democratic participation, the project fostered deep learning and promoted social inclusion.  

The integration of four modular learning units, supported by ready-to-use teaching materials, offered a scalable model for schools across Europe. By embedding hands-on learning into the curriculum and sharing resources through EU platforms, the project effectively bridged education and action, driving systemic change.

Teachers’ role

Teachers played a central role as facilitators, mentors, and innovators. They designed and delivered interdisciplinary lessons that connected science, sustainability, and civic values. Using modern, student-centred methods, they guided learners through experiments, outdoor activities, and collaborative projects - fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.  

By integrating real-life issues into the curriculum, teachers inspired active learning and promoted inclusion.  

They also shared best practices across schools, contributing to professional development and EU-wide collaboration.

Impact and output

The project’s inputs included dedicated teachers, motivated students, strong support from partner schools, and the development of four interdisciplinary learning modules. These modules were accompanied by lesson plans, experiment guides, and digital resources.  

Core activities focused on active student participation, fieldwork, and scientific inquiry.  

The project’s outputs included increased environmental awareness, enhanced teamwork and critical thinking skills, and accessible teaching materials shared via EU platforms. It also led to strengthened partnerships and boosted teacher capacity in sustainability education.

Learn more about the project

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