Living by the Sea

Summary

“Living by the Sea” was awarded the European Innovative Teaching Award for its innovative, real-world approach to addressing ocean pollution and promoting sustainability. Through cross-border collaboration, students developed civic competences, democratic awareness, and a strong sense of European citizenship. The project effectively linked local actions to global environmental challenges, while strengthening both scientific literacy and shared European values. 

"Through the project, we aimed to raise students’ awareness of their shared responsibility in reducing plastic pollution in the oceans, as well as the consequences of increasing plastic waste." - Teacher involved in the project 

Topic(s) addressed 

• Ocean sustainability
• Plastic pollution
• Civic engagement
• Democratic participation
• Global citizenship
• Environmental responsibility
• SDG 14
• Cross-border collaboration
• European values
• Local-global awareness

Target group(s)  

• Lower secondary pupils
• Science teachers directly involved in project activities and mobility

Methodologies used

The project combined interdisciplinary science, environmental, and citizenship learning through hands-on fieldwork, virtual collaboration, and peer-led activities. Learners collected and analysed plastic waste in Denmark and Spain, dissected shellfish to detect microplastics, and compared data across regions.  

Learning was closely tied to formal curricula and final exams, while also integrated into informal settings such as SDG Week workshops.  

The project fostered student agency, critical thinking, inclusion, and cross-border cooperation. External partners, including local nature schools and environmental networks, supported implementation.  

Efforts also focused on raising awareness across the wider school community about ocean sustainability and the global impact of local actions. 

Innovation environment 

The project created an innovative learning environment by combining outdoor education, cross-border collaboration, and digital interaction. The sea became a living classroom where students engaged with real-world environmental issues and reflected on their role in protecting shared natural resources. Sustainability was embedded throughout the school via initiatives such as SDG Week and integration into final exams.  

Collaboration with the Spanish partner school extended learning beyond the national context, fostering a broader European perspective. Students also shared their knowledge and findings with younger classmates, promoting awareness and participation across the school community.  

The project encouraged inclusion, active engagement, and a strong culture of civic responsibility. 

Teachers’ role 

Teachers acted as facilitators of inquiry-based, cross-curricular learning, co-creating the project with their Spanish peers. They designed virtual lessons, guided hands-on activities, and integrated the project into the national science exam.  

Through cross-border collaboration, they deepened their professional expertise in environmental science and civic education. Within their schools, teachers shared knowledge with science teams and local networks, fostering peer learning and wider impact. Their leadership empowered students to take responsibility and serve as ambassadors during SDG Week.  

The project strengthened teacher agency, professional identity, and their commitment to European cooperation and sustainability education. 

Impact and output 

The project had a significant impact on students’ environmental awareness, civic engagement, and sense of European identity.  

Learners developed scientific and global competences, presenting their findings during the school’s SDG Week.  

The project was formally integrated into school exams, ensuring academic recognition.  

All participants were included equally, regardless of background, and took part free of charge.  

The collaboration also contributed to teachers’ professional development and inspired knowledge sharing at local and regional levels through workshops, peer learning, and media outreach.  

By combining real-world learning with European cooperation, the project created a lasting impact, empowering students as active citizens and raising awareness across the school and broader community.  

Learn more about the project

Video