Attica, Greece
4th FUNDING CALL
Objectives
The project “Save Our Sea (SOS)” by 3o EK ANATOLIKHS ATTIKHS aims to address the growing issue of microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean, particularly in Eastern Attica. The initiative is built around five core objectives:
1. Research: Understanding the nature, origin, and environmental impact of microplastics.
2. Hands-On Experimentation: Collecting and analyzing water samples from local coastal areas.
3. Data Analysis: Formulating hypotheses on microplastic distribution and accumulation.
4. Community Outreach: Raising awareness and proposing actionable solutions.
5. Water Literacy: Reflecting on the broader significance of ocean health and sustainability.
Activities & Collaborations
The project unfolds over five phases:
Research & Awareness (Oct 2025): Students engage in literature reviews, workshops with experts from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), and create an Augmented Reality (AR) board mapping pollution data. They also produce a digital comic (“EcoComic”) narrating the journey of a microplastic particle.
Fieldwork & Experimentation (Nov 2025–Jan 2026): Students collect and filter coastal water samples, launch an “Adopt-a-Beach” program with QR-coded signage linking to student-created AR content, and experiment with biodegradable plastics in a DIY Bioplastics Lab.
Data Analysis & Tech Integration (Feb 2026): Students compare data across sites, update the AR board, and begin producing a “Student Science Show” video series.
Community Engagement (Mar 2026): Awareness campaigns are launched via posters, podcasts, and social media. A “Microplastic Hackathon” involving nearby schools fosters creative solutions and community involvement. A mobile app for citizen science reporting is also introduced.
Reflection & Dissemination (Apr 2026): Students host discussions, an Earth Week escape room, and a science fair to share findings. A final report is prepared for local stakeholders.
Expected Outputs & Impact
The project will generate a wide range of educational and scientific resources:
– Research reports, lesson plans, and visual materials
– AR board and EcoComic for storytelling
– Public microplastic database and bioplastics lab results
– Student-led videos and social media campaigns
– A mobile app for pollution reporting
– Community engagement tools like posters and exhibitions
These outputs will be integrated into the school curriculum across science, ICT, arts, and civic education. The project involves 100 students directly and 300 indirectly, with additional participation from two neighboring schools and local families. All activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with special provisions for students facing economic, educational, or physical barriers.
The initiative promotes open schooling, citizen science, and carbon neutrality through eco-friendly event planning and digital tools. It also aligns with European initiatives like EU4Ocean and contributes to broader environmental literacy and community resilience.
Funded by the European Union