2nd Primary School of Lamia

Getting acquainted with our sea

Lamia, Greece

3rd FUNDING CALL

The GAS Project, implemented by the 2nd Primary School of Lamia, is a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness among students while equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address water pollution and marine conservation. Through hands-on activities, scientific inquiry, and collaboration with local and international partners, the project aspires to cultivate responsible future citizens who will advocate for ocean health and biodiversity preservation.

Objectives

The GAS Project is designed to inspire students to become actively involved in environmental conservation. Its core objectives include:

• Enhancing Environmental Awareness – Educating students on the impact of human activities on ocean ecosystems.
• Promoting Water Literacy – Providing knowledge on water pollution, particularly microplastics, and their detrimental effects.
• Developing Scientific Inquiry Skills – Engaging students in real-world scientific research and data collection.
• Encouraging Hands-on Learning – Implementing activities that allow students to explore environmental issues firsthand.
• Fostering Community Collaboration – Bringing together students, educators, and local stakeholders to achieve common environmental goals.
• Introducing Citizen Science Methodologies – Enabling students to contribute to scientific research through data collection and analysis.
• Raising Awareness of Poseidonia Oceanica Meadows – Highlighting their role as biodiversity hotspots and natural carbon sinks.
• Promoting Sustainable Behaviors – Encouraging students, families, and communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
• Integrating Multidisciplinary Learning – Combining elements of science, geography, and civic responsibility for a holistic educational experience.
• Empowering Student Ambassadors – Encouraging students to become advocates for ocean conservation within their communities.

Activities and Collaborations

The GAS Project is structured around a series of immersive activities and strategic collaborations designed to enhance student engagement and maximize impact:

1. Educational Workshops and Blue Info Days – Students explore current issues affecting marine ecosystems through documentaries and interactive activities.
2. Beach Cleanup and Data Collection – Students collect and categorize waste using the Marine Debris Tracker App, analyzing the sources and impact of pollution.
3. Microplastic Investigation Lab – Water and sand samples are examined for microplastics, fostering discussions on pollution sources and mitigation strategies.
4. Field Visit to the Environmental Education Center of Syros – A two-day training program educates students on the ecological significance of Poseidonia Oceanica meadows.
5. eTwinning Collaboration with Colegio Huerta de la Cruz, Spain – An international partnership enables students to compare research findings and share insights on marine conservation.
6. Podcasts with Marine Experts – Students produce four podcasts featuring discussions with marine biologists and environmental scientists.
7. Documentary Film Production – A 10-minute documentary chronicles the project’s implementation and student involvement.
8. School Festival and Newspaper Publication – A culminating event showcases student work, fostering engagement with the broader community.
9. Public Dissemination of Findings – Project results and methodologies are shared with other schools in Central Greece, parents, and local media to encourage further adoption of sustainable practices.

Outputs and Impact

The GAS Project produces a variety of educational materials while fostering long-term environmental stewardship. Key outputs include:

• A Handbook for Educators – Featuring lesson plans and activity structures for beach cleanup and microplastic investigations (available in English and Greek).
• Four Expert-led Podcasts – Providing insights into marine conservation, featuring Greek-language interviews with subtitles.
• A 10-minute Documentary – Capturing the project’s journey, available in Greek with English subtitles.
• A Special Edition School Newspaper – Highlighting student experiences, findings, and future conservation initiatives.
• Contributions to the iNaturalist Platform – Encouraging students to document biodiversity observations for global research efforts.

Beyond these tangible outputs, the project instills a lasting environmental ethic in students. By participating in hands-on conservation efforts and citizen science initiatives, students develop a deeper connection to marine ecosystems and a sense of responsibility for their protection. The collaboration with local and international partners amplifies the project’s reach, inspiring other schools to implement similar initiatives.