Primary school Braca Grulovic

 I grew up next to the Danube

Beska, Serbia

2nd FUNDING CALL

The project “The Guardians of the Danube” aims to educate students and the community about the importance of the Danube’s aquatic ecosystem through hands-on learning and innovative teaching methods. The Outside Lab will provide results on the state of the water ecosystem at various locations along the Danube.

We are becoming aware that our students have more and more problems with directing attention and concentration. Sitting in desks and the traditional way of working, listening only to the teacher’s presentation and the absence of interactivity, have long since become an outdated method of work. By using innovative methods, teachers provide the opportunity for students to learn better, love the subject and be maximally motivated to work. By holding the Outside Lab, my wish was to discover and present new ways of working with the students of our school in order to point out the problems we face every day when it comes to water pollution and the state of aquatic ecosystems.

Outside Lab, as the name suggests, is an outdoor laboratory designed so that teaching is carried out through a series of experimental exercises, workshops and games in nature, with the aim of better assimilation of students’ knowledge. Through various experimental exercises in physics, chemistry, biology, the students’ attention is directed towards discovering problems and finding solutions for the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

The school’s participation in this project will allow us to connect with professionals, mentors and colleagues who share similar interests. Through it, we will apply for membership in the European Blue Schools Network in 2024. In this effort, we will collaborate with research institutes, non-governmental organizations, and universities. Networking is essential for building relationships and collaborating on future projects.

By actively participating and potentially achieving good results, I hope to contribute to improving the reputation of my school.

A project within ProBleu is not only about personal development; it is also about a positive impact on the local community. Solutions developed within the project can potentially address local challenges, benefiting the local community.

I hope that by participating in ProBleu, I can inspire other teachers and schools and the community to seek similar opportunities. It promotes a culture of academic curiosity, problem solving and participation in extracurricular activities.

It emphasizes learning, growth, and the application of knowledge to real-world problems, which are critical to personal development and community advancement.

Objectives

1. Raise awareness and knowledge about the Danube’s ecosystem.
2. Develop innovative teaching methods and incorporate them into the curriculum.
3. Foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship among students.
4. Promote water literacy and environmental protection.

Activities

Initial Phase (August):

• Organize the project team and plan activities.
• Establish partnerships with ecological organizations.

First Phase (September):

• Meet with partners like the Ecological Center of Radulovacki and the Highlanders Movement of Novi Sad.
• Prepare and procure necessary kits and materials.
• Plan and select student groups for experiments.

Second Phase (October):

• Conduct two study visits to the Danube’s local bank and Sremski Karlovci.
• Study the physical and chemical properties of water and its ecosystem.
• Spread awareness about environmental impacts and health.

Third Phase (November – January):

• Organize a literary and art contest on water protection.
• Design the project logo.
• Compile data, write reports, and document evidence.

Fourth Phase (February – March):

• Promote materials and plan teaching activities.
• Exhibit artistic works and promote project results.

Outputs

• Lesson plans for teachers, available for adaptation and reuse.
• A database of water and biodiversity data.
• An exhibition of artistic works on water protection.
• A blog summarizing workshops, meetings, and study visits.
• A manual for teachers on conducting outdoor laboratory work.

This project is significant for our students because through the Outside Lab, it provides practical experience in problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork, preparing them for future activities. Through various experiments and exercises in physics, chemistry, biology and geography, students are focused on discovering problems and finding solutions for current environmental issues and protection of aquatic ecosystems, involvement in ProBle also fosters a competitive spirit and a sense of achievement, increasing their self-confidence and motivation in school activities. Additionally, it connects them with water conservation professionals and exposes them to real-world application of their knowledge, enhancing their understanding and relevance of their studies.

Stakeholders will participate in cleaning the Danube shores, taking educational trips, and attending the final conference. The project’s website and social media platforms will update the community.

The project integrates environmental education into the school curriculum, promoting water literacy and sustainability. It encourages students to participate in ongoing environmental projects, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and active community engagement.