Solar powered car
Among all the project activities, building a solar powered car seemed to be the most challenging and appeared to be the most entertaining. None of us had ever taken part in such an undertaking. However, we wanted to win a race in Italy and do our best to meet the goal. We had to prepare everything really well and started searching the internet, asked an engineer to advise us and finally we were ready to do the online shopping. Next, we met on Saturday, 8th February and spent a few hours together. The most difficult thing was reaching a compromise as we had different ideas of how the final product should look like. When the car was finished, we got really excited while trying it outside. Fortunately, it was a sunny day and the car could go 15 metres far. Proud of ourselves, we called the car Speedy Erasmus+.
| Solar powered car |
International Day for Biological Diversity
– the topic of The World Environment Day
The eco-calendar of the year is rich with events. By celebrating the two of the international days on 22nd May and 6th June, we wanted to draw our society’s attention to the need of protection of various plant species. We should appreciate the diversity of nature and prevent it from extinction. Biodiversity is the subject of the presentation below. It is aimed to show selected plants occurring in plots characteristic of our climate in Poland.
| Biodiversity |
Agriculture and climate change
Agriculture is essential for humankind – it provides the food we eat, serves as the livelihood of millions of people worldwide, and manages a large share of the landscape
However, greenhouse gases (GHG) are released, making agriculture also a source of emissions which contribute to climate change
Since agriculture depends on natural resources and the climate to provide a suitable environment for crops to grow, climate change threatens to cause major disruptions for agriculture in the future
| Agriculture and climate change |
Water footprint
Our life depends on water. People have known this for thousands of years.
As the Earth’s population increases, water resources are spread thinner and thinner.
One of the biggest misconceptions with water use is that: we’re only using the water we can “see”.
This is far from reality.
Making smarter choices about what we buy can have a huge positive impact and reduce our water footprint.
As the Earth’s population increases, water resources are spread thinner and thinner.
One of the biggest misconceptions with water use is that: we’re only using the water we can “see”.
This is far from reality.
- About 70% of all water resources used by humans go to agriculture - growing and producing our food.
- Approx. 20% is used by industry (to make our “stuff” – clothes, ovens, cars, phones, etc.)
- Approx. 10% is used in households (showers, washing clothes, drinking, etc.)
Making smarter choices about what we buy can have a huge positive impact and reduce our water footprint.
| Water footprint |
Randka – spot społeczny o ekologii
Wędkarze – spot społeczny o ekologii
Piaskownica – spot społeczny o ekologii
Basen – spot społeczny o ekologii
One Day Garbage Will Kill Us
Meeting in Gdynia
The fourth short-term exchange took place in Gdynia, Poland from 6 to 12 October 2019. The Polish school, Szkoła Podstawowa nr 12 im. gen. Mariusza Zaruskiego hosted 23 students and 13 teachers from Croatia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania and the Netherlands. The students stayed at their peer’s and were hosted by Polish families for the whole week. We attended numerous lectures and workshops connected with the environment and with ways of protecting it. We visited plenty of places to complete our project tasks. Some Erasmus+ members made social spots – short videos against devastation of our planet.
On Monday, 7 October, all Erasmus+ members gathered at school early in the morning. They were greeted by the headmistress Dorota Skulska-Wittbrodt and the Polish coordinator Justyna Wrześniowska-Choszcz. After a short opening ceremony and listening to “Ode to Joy” performed by the school choir, students and teachers left their signatures on a huge Erasmus+ blackboard and made some drawings on it. After that, each delegation planted a tree in the school yard. It was symbolic as the mobility title was “Save The Forests, We Need Oxygen”.
After leaving the school, we visited Gdynia Infobox where we could see a model of the city surrounded by woods from the south and learn about its history and location. We also climbed an observation tower to admire Gdynia from a height. On our way to the town hall, a history teacher Magdalena Zmorzyńska showed us around the city. In the town hall we were warmly welcomed by the chairwoman of the city council Joanna Zielińska and a councillor Lechosław Dzierżak. They told us about the actions taken to make Gdynia more environmentally friendly. We were shown some short films about public transport, electrically powered bikes for rent, cycling paths and bus lanes. They also gave a speech about the ways in which the officials are trying to reduce CO2 emissions.
On Monday, 7 October, all Erasmus+ members gathered at school early in the morning. They were greeted by the headmistress Dorota Skulska-Wittbrodt and the Polish coordinator Justyna Wrześniowska-Choszcz. After a short opening ceremony and listening to “Ode to Joy” performed by the school choir, students and teachers left their signatures on a huge Erasmus+ blackboard and made some drawings on it. After that, each delegation planted a tree in the school yard. It was symbolic as the mobility title was “Save The Forests, We Need Oxygen”.
After leaving the school, we visited Gdynia Infobox where we could see a model of the city surrounded by woods from the south and learn about its history and location. We also climbed an observation tower to admire Gdynia from a height. On our way to the town hall, a history teacher Magdalena Zmorzyńska showed us around the city. In the town hall we were warmly welcomed by the chairwoman of the city council Joanna Zielińska and a councillor Lechosław Dzierżak. They told us about the actions taken to make Gdynia more environmentally friendly. We were shown some short films about public transport, electrically powered bikes for rent, cycling paths and bus lanes. They also gave a speech about the ways in which the officials are trying to reduce CO2 emissions.
On Tuesday, 8 October, we went on a trip to Marszewo Forest Botanical Garden, Gdańsk and Sopot. All the places are surrounded by the Tricity Landscape Park covering the area of 199.3 square kilometres. In Marszewo we were divided into two groups and attended a forest game connected with sustainable development and a lecture about the influence of climate changes on birds, their migrations and life habits. To meet the assumptions of the game, the students in small groups had to find task stations and solve all the puzzles. They discussed their answers afterwards and compared them with other groups. After the workshop on birds, an ornithologist from the Gdańsk University showed us how to ring the birds that had been caught in a net in Marszewo. She showed us how to measure, weigh, recognize gender and told a lot about the species that had been caught. We were instructed how to release the birds and we set them free.
After a visit in the Forest Botanical Garden, we left for Sopot and Gdańsk. We chose a way through the beltway along the wooded areas of the Tricity. A guide showed us around Gdańsk and Sopot pointing at differences between the cities and the ways they have already been and might be affected by climate changes in the future.
After a visit in the Forest Botanical Garden, we left for Sopot and Gdańsk. We chose a way through the beltway along the wooded areas of the Tricity. A guide showed us around Gdańsk and Sopot pointing at differences between the cities and the ways they have already been and might be affected by climate changes in the future.
On Wednesday morning, 9 October, coordinators met to discuss the issues and activities that had already been fulfilled, the activities in progress and to plan remaining tasks. Then the play “Save The Lofty Trees” was put up by Croatian, Greek and Polish students. After the play we went to the Gdynia Experiment Centre and spent a few hours visiting hundreds of interactive exhibits which refer to the environment and science subjects. We also made a model of a carbon-low-city under a superstition of educators.
On Thursday, 10 October, teachers from all the partner schools conducted lessons in English connected with climate change. Each student attended two lessons in an international group. Next, we went to the Gdynia Aquarium to attend a lecture and laboratory workshops which were conducted by educators. We were told a lot about the fauna and flora of the Baltic Sea and the influence of climate change on them. We were also shown photos of various living and extinct species. Then we used microscopes to carry out some laboratory tasks. After the lecture and the workshops, we saw numerous water species of animals and plants living in the aquarium. We visited hundreds of exhibits and found out more about the Baltic Sea.
Finally, on Friday, 11 October, we went on a trip to Hel – a small town on Hel peninsula which is surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea on three sides. Due to climate change, the peninsula is likely to disappear flooded by the sea in the future.
In Hel educators took care of us again. We used a drag net to catch some species living in the Baltic Sea and were given a lecture about them. In the unique seal station (a breeding centre for seals, which are later released to help re-establish the species in the Baltic Sea) we watched seals being fed and trained by their instructors who showed us how they check the animals’ health and condition. Next, we visited a museum of porpoise and took part in a workshop connected with environment. Finally, we walked along the seashore to the tip of the peninsula and watch the fauna of the coast.
In Hel educators took care of us again. We used a drag net to catch some species living in the Baltic Sea and were given a lecture about them. In the unique seal station (a breeding centre for seals, which are later released to help re-establish the species in the Baltic Sea) we watched seals being fed and trained by their instructors who showed us how they check the animals’ health and condition. Next, we visited a museum of porpoise and took part in a workshop connected with environment. Finally, we walked along the seashore to the tip of the peninsula and watch the fauna of the coast.
The exchange in Gdynia was very fruitful and had a great educational value. We worked in an international team to convince everybody that together Europe achieves more as far as fighting for the environment is concerned.
WORLD CLEAN UP DAY 2019
On September 19th-20th, students from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 12 in Gdynia arranged and took part in the World Clean Up Day 2019. The event did not go according to the plan, we had to rearrange it and we celebrated in a different way than usually. Because of bad weather, instead of going out and cleaning the world, the oldest students set a little performance for every class in school, called ,,Przyrodę szanuję, dlatego śmieci segreguję!” (,,Take care of nature and sort out the rubbish”). Erasmus members read a short poem which had been written by one of the graduate student from SP 12. They talked about the environment and why and how we should take care of our planet. Some curiosities diversified the show and helped imagine the size of the problem with environmental pollution.
Additionally, on school walls, rubbish bins and on doors, some information about segregation and World Clean Up day appeared. Everyone in school could read some eco-curiosities. The classes were visited by the headmistress and younger kids could learn about sorting the rubbish with special Dash robots. The World Clean Up Day in our school was amusing and of great educational value. For sure, every student and most teachers from SP 12, found out more about the environment and had great time while celebrating the World Clean Up Day. What is more, our event made everybody think of protecting our planet again.
Additionally, on school walls, rubbish bins and on doors, some information about segregation and World Clean Up day appeared. Everyone in school could read some eco-curiosities. The classes were visited by the headmistress and younger kids could learn about sorting the rubbish with special Dash robots. The World Clean Up Day in our school was amusing and of great educational value. For sure, every student and most teachers from SP 12, found out more about the environment and had great time while celebrating the World Clean Up Day. What is more, our event made everybody think of protecting our planet again.
European Mobility Week
September is a dream time for outdoor activities in Poland. Our school is surrounded by woods, which makes the strolls even more attractive and healthy. That is why students took part in the European Mobility Week eagerly.
On a sunny day we went to the forest in small groups to combine different forms of training. Pupils were responsible for the training scenario. We started with a warm-up, then fitness exercises, balance exercises, some forest climbing and finished with a quick march. We also worked on improving the Nordic walking technique.
Taking part in the European Mobility Week made us not only fitter but also happier as during exercises the endorphin levels increase. Hard training pays off.
Erasmus+ Day
For all of us taking part in the international Erasmus+ project “Stop Climate Change – Together Europe Achieves More” is a great opportunity to make new friends, have fun with peers from other countries and experience adventures. But we must not forget and we do not want to forget what is the most important objective of the program. Erasmus+ members demand thinking of our planet, they do care how we are going to change our habits to become even more eco-friendly. Earth is our home and we are responsible for it, we decide what to furnish it with.
After ten months of project activities and three short-term exchanges, we decided to show the results of our work. We prepared a presentation for students, their parents and teachers. They gathered to watch the photos and videos, to listen to the school coordinator talking about the activities and to ask questions. They could see our lapbooks on different subjects and talk to the young ecologists participating in the project. We wanted the visitors to remember the event and its goals for a long time. Therefore, we distributed pens with the project title. The guests were also given bookmarks with eco-slogans that we had prepared before. Their smiles and positive feedback proved that it was worth working so hard.
After ten months of project activities and three short-term exchanges, we decided to show the results of our work. We prepared a presentation for students, their parents and teachers. They gathered to watch the photos and videos, to listen to the school coordinator talking about the activities and to ask questions. They could see our lapbooks on different subjects and talk to the young ecologists participating in the project. We wanted the visitors to remember the event and its goals for a long time. Therefore, we distributed pens with the project title. The guests were also given bookmarks with eco-slogans that we had prepared before. Their smiles and positive feedback proved that it was worth working so hard.
World Environment Day
5th June is one of the most important days in the global eco calendar. It has been celebrated as World Environment Day since 1972. The United Nations, noting the very high degree of environmental degradation, considered it necessary to make people aware that they are not the only species on Earth. Every year, June 5th, it will remind about the importance of nature and man's responsibility for its condition. Young ecologists participating in the project do not need any reminders. We decided to arrange a trip to a forest botanical garden in Marszewo. It is situated in Tricity Landscape Park near Gdynia and it is a perfect place to think and talk about the environment.
Mr Witold Ciechanowicz, a forester from Marszewo, gave us a lecture on forest management and he introduced animal and plant species living in our woods. Then we were divided into groups to take part in a forest game. We had to search information walking along a forest path, visiting on our way wooden sheds and information boards. It was a pleasure to hike, smell the forest and hear birds all around. After the game we had a discussion and summed the subject up. Michał and Filip lit a fire so that we could cook sauseges over it.
Spending a few hours in such clean environment, breathing in exceptionally clear air and listening to the sounds of nature made us even more motivated to protect our planet and persuade the others to start acting. Let’s save the trees, we need oxygen!
Baltic Festival of Science and Science fair
This school year we have participated in two impressive science events. We took part in the Baltic Festival of Science which was held from 22nd to 25th May 2019 at Gdańsk University of Technology. A few weeks later Erasmus+ members with a chemistry teacher, Katarzyna Serement, organized a science show for students of our school. We invited teenagers and young pupils to charm them with spectacular effects of our experiments.
Baltic Festival at Gdańsk University of Technology
Access to clear water is a great luxury of which plenty of people in the world are deprived. We were shown a model of sewage treatment plant and found out more about its elements. Tutors encouraged us to analyze how come we always have clear, safe for consumption water in our taps: where it comes from and how it is purified, what is ozone and how it can help us, and also where the water for many hundreds of thousands Gdańsk citizens come from.
As humans use more and more electricity and new electronical appliences are constantly invented, we must develop alternative sources of energy. At a workshop we were taught different methods of gaining electricity out of natural sources of energy. Some other subjects included: ozonation of water, dealing with smog, molecular cuisine with by-products, concrete cities, surface water pollution, sorting out the rubbish or 3 R’s (reducing, reusing, recycling). In DIY section we could make eco-cosmetics, e.g. toothpaste, shower gel or bath bombs. Finally, we took part in ECO-BA(N)G!, a quiz on environment protection.
Access to clear water is a great luxury of which plenty of people in the world are deprived. We were shown a model of sewage treatment plant and found out more about its elements. Tutors encouraged us to analyze how come we always have clear, safe for consumption water in our taps: where it comes from and how it is purified, what is ozone and how it can help us, and also where the water for many hundreds of thousands Gdańsk citizens come from.
As humans use more and more electricity and new electronical appliences are constantly invented, we must develop alternative sources of energy. At a workshop we were taught different methods of gaining electricity out of natural sources of energy. Some other subjects included: ozonation of water, dealing with smog, molecular cuisine with by-products, concrete cities, surface water pollution, sorting out the rubbish or 3 R’s (reducing, reusing, recycling). In DIY section we could make eco-cosmetics, e.g. toothpaste, shower gel or bath bombs. Finally, we took part in ECO-BA(N)G!, a quiz on environment protection.
Science fair at school
Erasmus+ members, under the superstition of their chemistry teacher, Mrs Katarzyna Serement carried out numerous experiments for younger and older pupils of our school. The event was held on 5th June and appeared to be very attractive. In many experiments we used everyday objects like a banknote, baking soda or citric acid. The effects of the trials aroused appreciation among the observers. Especially using chemical substances to make artificial blood, often used in films. Another exciting experiment was setting genie free from a “bottle”. It looked, in a way like volcanic erruption. We also showed how to make a lightning underwater or produce cold sparkles. Our ecologists saved a banknote from being burnt. It was great fun and an unforgettable experience.
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
The second life of t-shirts
As the result of a competition for the best reusing idea, students voted and decided to give a second life to the white T-shirts they had used to wear. We brought ecological paints and painted new patterns or slogans on our old T-shirts. Each of us designed and made his or her own project. Some were drawing fruits, some were making their footprints, and others… what came to their minds. When the T-shirts were dry, we organized an exhibition.
Climate change and health – mobile phones
We have talked about overusing mobiles a lot of times. Using smartphones and other appliences has a huge impact on the environment. In addition to that, being addicted to phones is harmful to your health.
Researchers have found that smartphones and data centres are damaging to the environment and will have the biggest carbon footprint in the tech industry by 2040. Scientists came to this conclusion after calculating the carbon footprint of devices such as mobiles, laptops, tablets and desktops. The team from McMaster University in Canada found smartphones to be the most damaging of all devices in the industry, with the bulk of their emissions coming from the production chain. According to the researchers, smartphone components that require the most amount of energy to produce are the chip and the motherboard – as they are made up of precious metals mined at a high cost. While these phones consume little energy to operate, 85% of their emissions impact comes from production. They also have a short shelf life, which according to the team, means there is “an extraordinary amount of waste”. Dr Lotfi Belkhir, a professor at the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University, said: “For every text message, for every phone call, every video you upload or download, there’s a data centre making this happen.
A therapist from The Addiction Preservation And Therapy Center had a lecture and workshop on fonoholism in our school. She mentioned plenty of fascinating topics. We found out that 83% of Polish ten-year-old children own a mobile phone, while in the UK it’s 73%. We analyzed why parents buy mobiles for their kids and what they use them for. We were told that 67% of us use smartphones when lying in bed and 19% while having a bath or shower. 85% can’t imagine their lives without a mobile phone.
Researchers have found that smartphones and data centres are damaging to the environment and will have the biggest carbon footprint in the tech industry by 2040. Scientists came to this conclusion after calculating the carbon footprint of devices such as mobiles, laptops, tablets and desktops. The team from McMaster University in Canada found smartphones to be the most damaging of all devices in the industry, with the bulk of their emissions coming from the production chain. According to the researchers, smartphone components that require the most amount of energy to produce are the chip and the motherboard – as they are made up of precious metals mined at a high cost. While these phones consume little energy to operate, 85% of their emissions impact comes from production. They also have a short shelf life, which according to the team, means there is “an extraordinary amount of waste”. Dr Lotfi Belkhir, a professor at the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University, said: “For every text message, for every phone call, every video you upload or download, there’s a data centre making this happen.
A therapist from The Addiction Preservation And Therapy Center had a lecture and workshop on fonoholism in our school. She mentioned plenty of fascinating topics. We found out that 83% of Polish ten-year-old children own a mobile phone, while in the UK it’s 73%. We analyzed why parents buy mobiles for their kids and what they use them for. We were told that 67% of us use smartphones when lying in bed and 19% while having a bath or shower. 85% can’t imagine their lives without a mobile phone.
| Fonoholism |
Climate change and health – food
Researches are trying to make us aware that a plant-based diet can make you healthier by lowering your risk for obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. But there's another good reason to regularly eat meatless meals. By filling your plate with plant foods instead of animal foods, you can help save the planet. The production of animal products generates the majority of food-related greenhouse-gas emissions.
We had a lecture and a workshop on healthy and environmentally-friendly food. Our guest, Mrs Anna Szczepkowska-Kopeć told us why it is better to buy food localy and support farmers from neighbouring areas. We also investigated advantages of eating vegetables instead of meat and snacks. We had fun making salads and tasting vegetables that hadn’t been familiar to us before.
We had a lecture and a workshop on healthy and environmentally-friendly food. Our guest, Mrs Anna Szczepkowska-Kopeć told us why it is better to buy food localy and support farmers from neighbouring areas. We also investigated advantages of eating vegetables instead of meat and snacks. We had fun making salads and tasting vegetables that hadn’t been familiar to us before.
Earth Day
Although Earth Day is celebrated on 22nd April, due to the school year calendar, we were forced to arrange a big happening in May. We went by bus to the city center and along the boulevard. We were carrying baskets full of apples with slogans that we had made during one of our meetings. On our way we entered the town hall and marked our presence shouting eco-slogans and giving out apples. We received a warm welcome. We wanted to be visible so everyone was wearing colourful clothes and wreaths or hats with flowers. It might have been the reason why the people we were talking to were friendly and shared their experiences. They told us what they were doing to protect the planet and congratulated us on the great idea to arrange such a colourful happening with a positive message.
| Earth day |
Making eco-slogans
During one of the meetings of Erasmus+ club, we made slogans to distribute them later in school and in the streets of our town. The slogans were to make the society aware of the climate change problem and also to encourage them to start acting on a large scale.
The students searched for good eco-slogans in Polish on the Internet and copied them into their documents. Then the slogans were printed, cut out and glued to toothpicks. Finally, they were ready to be sticked on apples and given out to future ecologists.
The students searched for good eco-slogans in Polish on the Internet and copied them into their documents. Then the slogans were printed, cut out and glued to toothpicks. Finally, they were ready to be sticked on apples and given out to future ecologists.
| Slogans |
Urban heat island
Two young students, members of Erasmus+ project expressed their willingness to carry out an experiment and report on it afterall. Anna, 13 and Natasza, 14 were determined to do their best and the results of their determination are really fascinating. There is nothing else to say. The girls’ presentation is short but touches all the most important aspects of the topic. The temperature differences give food for thought. Well done!
| Urban heat island phenomenon |
Endangered animals and plants
Endangered animal species in Poland are listed in the Polish Red Book of Animals, which features several hundred species. The Red List of Threatened or Endangered Animals in Poland has a wider scope with more than 2,500 species. Animals are classified depending on the degree of risk – from the LC category for species in the lowest risk group to EX, or extinct species. The extinct category contains only (or as many as) two species - the tarpan (the Eurasian wild horse) and the auroch (a large mammal in the Bovidae family). Meanwhile, the list of species saved from extinction by Poles is much longer. Here are selected examples: the Tatra Chamois, The Apollo, The Peregrine Falcon.
The threat of plants extinction is also seriously treated in Poland and they are listed in the Polish Red Book of Plants. In the first edition in 1993 there were 206 plant species described and 34 of them were extinct. In the last edition from 2014 there are 370 species. Here are selected examples of endangered plants in Poland: Mother-of-Thyme, Sundew (Drosera), Bird’s-eye-primrose.
The threat of plants extinction is also seriously treated in Poland and they are listed in the Polish Red Book of Plants. In the first edition in 1993 there were 206 plant species described and 34 of them were extinct. In the last edition from 2014 there are 370 species. Here are selected examples of endangered plants in Poland: Mother-of-Thyme, Sundew (Drosera), Bird’s-eye-primrose.
| Endangered animals and plants |
Global warming and greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases can occur through natural processes, such as volcanic eruption, or through human activity. Those generated through human behavior are problematic because they alter Earth’s natural systems. Problematic GHGs include methane, nitrous oxide and especially carbon dioxide. By burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and petroleum, humans have contributed large amounts of CO2 to the atmosphere. Earth’s natural greenhouse effect is critical to supporting life. Human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and clearing of forests, have strengthened the greenhouse effect and caused global warming.
Global warming is already having harmful and significant effects on our society, health and climate. Extreme storm events, severe droughts, accelerating sea level rise, a growing number of wildfires and dangerous heat waves are getting more and more common. We must take an action, we mustn’t remain indifferent to destructive impacts on the environment. Otherwise, the consequences will continue to intensify and will increasingly affect the planet, us and our families!
Global warming is already having harmful and significant effects on our society, health and climate. Extreme storm events, severe droughts, accelerating sea level rise, a growing number of wildfires and dangerous heat waves are getting more and more common. We must take an action, we mustn’t remain indifferent to destructive impacts on the environment. Otherwise, the consequences will continue to intensify and will increasingly affect the planet, us and our families!
| Global warming and greenhouse effect |
Carbon footprint
Everyone should realize that each of us produces or emits his/her carbon footprint. Unfortunately, most people don’t have a clue. That is why, through participation in the project, we want to make the society more aware of the issue. During the third mobility in Roermond our school coordinator, Justyna Wrześniowska-Choszcz conducted a lesson entitled “What can I do to reduce my carbon footprint?”. Students from all the partner schools eagerly participated in the lesson and were vividly interested in the subject. After analysing the causes of CO2 emission, they named a lot of ideas how to reduce it. They were also shown two short films on the subject and were encouraged to find on the Internet a carbon footprint calculator and use it with their parents in their native languages. Students in Poland were also engaged in using such a calculator with their parents. During our meetings of Erasmus+ members we had a talk and made presentations on the topic.
| Carbon footprint |
Third Exchange – The Netherlands
During our third short-term exchange from 12th to 18th May we focused mainly on water management. Not surprisingly, the mobility took place in Roermond, The Netherlands.
There is a lot of water flowing into the Netherlands with three large rivers (Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt). Even more water falls from the sky. The sea also eagerly spills after depression. So if the country did not have solid water management, it would stay under water for a large part of the year.
On the first day we were greeted in Roermond town hall by deputy mayor Rens Evers and his assistant. We were shown short presentations about Roermond and some ways of dealing with water. After that, at school, teachers from all partner countries conducted lessons connected with climate change. We also had a short tour to see the hosts’ school. In the following days we attended numerous lessons and lectures, we put on a play „Everybody’s Water” and visited very important and amazing places such as Amsterdam (where we took part in a city game), a water treatment plant or Delta works with countless attractions. We also had a guided“Waterwalk” through Roermond.The guide told us everything about the importance of accurate water level management for agriculture and nature and about the ways in which the board fights drought. Following the hosts’ example and hoping to be more environmentally friendly, students and teachers of our school got to school by bikes. It was great fun to become Dutch for a week and we decided to ride bikes more often in Poland. Our environment deserves it!
There is a lot of water flowing into the Netherlands with three large rivers (Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt). Even more water falls from the sky. The sea also eagerly spills after depression. So if the country did not have solid water management, it would stay under water for a large part of the year.
On the first day we were greeted in Roermond town hall by deputy mayor Rens Evers and his assistant. We were shown short presentations about Roermond and some ways of dealing with water. After that, at school, teachers from all partner countries conducted lessons connected with climate change. We also had a short tour to see the hosts’ school. In the following days we attended numerous lessons and lectures, we put on a play „Everybody’s Water” and visited very important and amazing places such as Amsterdam (where we took part in a city game), a water treatment plant or Delta works with countless attractions. We also had a guided“Waterwalk” through Roermond.The guide told us everything about the importance of accurate water level management for agriculture and nature and about the ways in which the board fights drought. Following the hosts’ example and hoping to be more environmentally friendly, students and teachers of our school got to school by bikes. It was great fun to become Dutch for a week and we decided to ride bikes more often in Poland. Our environment deserves it!
Invasive plants and animals
Invasive species are the second biggest threat to global biodiversity right after the destruction of habitats. It’s very easy for invasive species of plants and animals to spread but very difficult for humans to fight them. Alien species are dangerous as far as ecosystems, economy and health are concerned. They exterminate local animals and plants and can cause serious health problems. The most dangerous invasive plants are: sosnowsky’s hogweed, giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed or giant knotweed. The most dangerous animal species are: round goby, monkey goby, raccoon dog, American mink or zebra mussel.
| Invasive species |
Climate change games
After we had been talking seriously about climate change and its influence on our future lifes on Earth, we wanted to have fun and entertain ourselves. We decided to create board games out of materials which could be reused instead of throwing them away. First, we had to plan everything and prepare the materials: cardboard, colourful paper, modelling clay and other stationery. We worked in groups and when tge games were ready, we had a lot of fun playing them and helping ourselves with all the snacks we had brought.
In addition to board games, an IT teacher, Beata Jekiełek showed us how to create an online game in scratch program. It was more difficult, but also entertaining. The teacher conducted a similar lesson in Croatia during the second mobility. Students from all the countries involved in our project took part in it.
In addition to board games, an IT teacher, Beata Jekiełek showed us how to create an online game in scratch program. It was more difficult, but also entertaining. The teacher conducted a similar lesson in Croatia during the second mobility. Students from all the countries involved in our project took part in it.
Monitoring the weather
Primary School no 12 in Gdynia bought a weather station. It has been installed on the roof of our school building. The monitor is located in physical education teachers’ room. Every day our pupils monitor and write down the most important data: temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction as well as atmospheric preasure and rainfall. We are going to compare current indicators to those from previous years but we have already noticed that the temperatures are rising.
World water day
Erasmus+ students were asked to work at home with their parents and siblings to find some interesting facts about water supplies worldwide and choose their favourite pieces of information. We discussed their ideas at school and then read articles in National Geographic magazines to search further information. We found articles on the shortage of water resources in Asia and Africa. What is more, we investigated the ways animals and plants cope with such conditions in their natural habitat.
We also run an experiment of water filtration in which some sand, gravel, active carbon and tissue-paper were used. We could observe the process of water being purified by our filters similarly to filters occuring in nature – layers of rocks. After the experiment, the water we purified was used to make tea for our team.
We also decided to make people realise the problem of dicreasing water supplies and its harmful effects on living species. We made up some slogans and put them on bottles of water which were later exposed in school halls. We hope we managed to change attitudes, habits and lifestyes of most observes and people involved in the project.
We also run an experiment of water filtration in which some sand, gravel, active carbon and tissue-paper were used. We could observe the process of water being purified by our filters similarly to filters occuring in nature – layers of rocks. After the experiment, the water we purified was used to make tea for our team.
We also decided to make people realise the problem of dicreasing water supplies and its harmful effects on living species. We made up some slogans and put them on bottles of water which were later exposed in school halls. We hope we managed to change attitudes, habits and lifestyes of most observes and people involved in the project.
| World water day |
Climate refugees
Being so concerned about our environment and trying to encourage our local society to think seriously about climate change, we must not forget about those who are forced to leave their homes, their towns, their countries. Desertification, droughts, sea level rise and extreme weather conditions don't leave a choice. Millions of climate refugees flee from destroyed houses. But immigrants are not usually welcomed in the countries they manage to get. To improve students' geography kowledge and make them realize what climate refugees have to cope with, we made PowerPoint presentations and proudly present the best of them.
| Climate refugees |
Second Exchange – Croatia
It was a great pleasure to take part in a fruitful exchange from 17th to 23rd March in Vinkovci, Croatia. As during the first exchange, teachers from each country conducted lessons for young participants of the Erasmus+ project. Students put out a play “Down in The Dumps” and proved to be talented actors taking climate change problem seriously.
We got to know how to grow plants in computer-controlled conditions, visited Ilok and Vukovar – a town by the Danube - and its attractions. A trip to Kopacki rit park, where we could admire plants and animals from a boat, was an unforgettable experience. Luckily, the weather was great! We also took part in numerous workshops and lectures, for example in a wood processing company which uses biomass to produce wooden pallets. We enjoyed ourselves in an educational centre “Zlatna greda”, visited The Red Cross office where we had a short first-aid course. Finally, we managed to sell products brought from all partnering countries and donate over 100 euro to The Red Cross in Vinkovci. Some of us were on TV for the first time in their lives as we were invited by the Mayor to the town hall. The meeting proved the importance of the projects’ subject “Stop Climate Change – Together Europe Achieves More”
We got to know how to grow plants in computer-controlled conditions, visited Ilok and Vukovar – a town by the Danube - and its attractions. A trip to Kopacki rit park, where we could admire plants and animals from a boat, was an unforgettable experience. Luckily, the weather was great! We also took part in numerous workshops and lectures, for example in a wood processing company which uses biomass to produce wooden pallets. We enjoyed ourselves in an educational centre “Zlatna greda”, visited The Red Cross office where we had a short first-aid course. Finally, we managed to sell products brought from all partnering countries and donate over 100 euro to The Red Cross in Vinkovci. Some of us were on TV for the first time in their lives as we were invited by the Mayor to the town hall. The meeting proved the importance of the projects’ subject “Stop Climate Change – Together Europe Achieves More”
Climate change – the best presentation
Erasmus+ team had been studying climate change phenomena before they were asked to make PowerPoint presentations. They had to find out what changes had been happening and focus on their local area. In their projects, they explained what climate change is, identified the main causes of climate changes and the effects of rising and falling temperatures in the future. Competitors worked in teams. The best presentation was made by Marta Majewska, Anna Szczygielska and Krzysztof Weronko and can be seen below.
| Zmiany klimatyczne |
Getting ready for a charity event
Before the second project meeting in Vinkovci, Croatia, we had to prepare something really special for a charity event. We decided to make colourful bars of soap to sell them and donate money for The Red Cross. Heating oils, blending them, adding colour and fragrance was great fun. We enjoyed spending time together and made almost 50 bars. Our partners also brought to Vinkovci various ítems prepared by themselves, like ornaments, plates or local food. We put all our products on a stall and were selling them for two hours which was enough to earn over 100 euro. Young people from six European countries announced their success.
Biologists’ Night at the University of Gdańsk
Erasmus+ members enjoyed Biologists’ Night which was organised at the University of Gdańsk on Friday 11th January 2019. We left school late in the afternoon and went to the university to take part in an exciting event. We attended numerous lectures and workshops. We found out a lot about plants and animals as well as threats connected with their extinction in previous habitats. The most interesting part was eating fried insect larvae. The lecturer said that in the future we would take over a custom to eat insects. They are consumed in South America, Asia and Africa as they are a rich source of protein.
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony in our school was held in November 2018. Representatives of the local community, students, teachers and the school management gathered in the gym to begin the project “Stop Climate Change – Together Europe Achieves More” officially.
The school coordinator of the project presented its aims and appealed to everyone to protect the environment in order to stop climate change. Students presented their PowerPoint presentations about partner schools and countries and about the first meeting in Greece. The winners of two contests, the logo contest and the PowerPoint presentation contest, collected their prizes. The school choir sang “Ode to Joy” and a young pupil performed a poem about the Earth. Students’ logo projects were used as decoration.
The school coordinator of the project presented its aims and appealed to everyone to protect the environment in order to stop climate change. Students presented their PowerPoint presentations about partner schools and countries and about the first meeting in Greece. The winners of two contests, the logo contest and the PowerPoint presentation contest, collected their prizes. The school choir sang “Ode to Joy” and a young pupil performed a poem about the Earth. Students’ logo projects were used as decoration.
First Exchange – Greece
From 21st to 27th October 2018 we could enjoy the first short-term exchange in Cholargos, Greece. Students and teachers from five partner schools came to Greece to take part in all the planned project activities. Each student attended a lesson about climate change, we could also listen to a lecture of professor Christos Zeferos, saw a lot of places connected with protection of the environment and took part in various workshops. We admired the fauna and flora of Vavrona wetlands and beautiful archeological sites, too. Such a meeting is a great opportunity for students and tutors to exchange ideas and learn a lot from one another.
Logo contest
In September a logo contest was announced. It was very popular with students. Various ideas, a lot of effort, good moods and the school winners were soon chosen. The logo projects of most competitors were later used as elements of the decoration during the opening ceremony of Erasmus+ project when the winners collected their prizes.
Cleanup 1st class activity
As part of 'Cleanup day' the students of the first grade of our primary school had a talk about recycling. To make the topic more appealing, the kids got hands-on experience in waste segregation with the use of Dash robots.
First came the theoretical part - discussing what belogns to which group - paper, plastic and glass. Then each child in turn used the Dash robot to sort the waste gathered in the classroom. That was fun, they enjoyed it very much! Since then the young students have been sorting the rubbish out in their classroom into appropriate bins.
First came the theoretical part - discussing what belogns to which group - paper, plastic and glass. Then each child in turn used the Dash robot to sort the waste gathered in the classroom. That was fun, they enjoyed it very much! Since then the young students have been sorting the rubbish out in their classroom into appropriate bins.
GDYNIA CLEANUP’
as a part of "World Cleanup" day
The campaign titled "Gdynia Cleanup" took place in our school on 21st of September 2018 and it was run under the slogan: "Let's clean it up". The main goal of the action was the recollection of the waste segregation rules as well as the increase of the ecological awareness among students. We hope that our students will pay more attention to the tidiness around school and their living environment. Summery weather allowed us to combine waste segregation and a nice walk in the forest. Most of the students and teachers took part in the action. Big wastes were collected and then put in the right spots. Students received commemorative badges for taking an active part in the event. Younger students participated as well. Except the waste segregation talk, they were learning how to segregate waste with the Dash robots.
We wish to thank all the parents for the help and support of this action.
We wish to thank all the parents for the help and support of this action.
| World Cleanup 2018 poster |
