Col·legi Santa Magdalena Sofia

Comparative Evolution of Marine Ecosystems in Biofouling Traps

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

2nd FUNDING CALL

(BIOTRAPS) project aims to integrate ocean literacy into the curriculum, educating students about the oceans’ importance, biodiversity, and environmental challenges.

The BIOTRAPS project involves several key objectives:

1. Citizen Science and Collaboration: Students will engage in citizen science activities and collaborate with scientific entities, collecting data and contributing to ongoing research.
2. Practical Application of Knowledge: Students will apply theoretical knowledge through practical activities, such as creating and observing biofouling traps.
3. Active Student Participation: Encouraging active student involvement in creating and observing ecosystems, fostering curiosity and practical experience.
4. Collaboration Between Educational Centers: Collaborating with other schools, including Blue School, to compare natural and anthropogenic environments and understand human impacts on marine ecosystems.

Key activities include:

• Phase 1: Generating a theoretical dossier on key concepts about ecology and ecosystem dynamics.
• Phase 2: Recording talks and presentations by scientific entities for future viewing.
• Phases 3 and 4: Creating a manual for assembling biofouling traps.
• Phase 6: Developing practice protocols during laboratory sessions.

Phase 4 of the PROBLEU project took place with Fra Joan Ballester school, where students installed biofouling traps at various marinas. They also met with port authorities to present the project and outline the monthly monitoring process leading up to the final analysis in April.

All digital teaching materials will be editable for translation, facilitating accessibility and replication in other interested centers within the Network of European Blue Schools. The materials will be in Catalan, with translations into English in collaboration with the English department.

The BIOTRAPS project aims to foster a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems among students, encouraging them to actively participate in ocean conservation. By integrating ocean literacy into the curriculum and promoting hands-on learning, Col·legi Santa Magdalena Sofia seeks to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.