Nature as the source of our wealth Erasmus Project

Project Title

Nature as the source of our wealth

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2016

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Environment and climate change; Natural sciences

Project Summary

In secondary education, we teach natural sciences with fewer and fewer hours. Not only does the knowledge content decrease, but also the possibilities of recognizing relationships and the acquisition of practical experiences are also under-emphasized. Moreover, many young people do not understand the basic issues of nature conservation, energy management, sustainability and the harmful effects of our irresponsible consumer society.
The aim of the project has been to show the connections between science education and its practical applications in our everyday lives and work. To make students more motivated to learn these subjects. To find and share more innovative and effective teaching methods and to learn from each other. To become better acquainted with science education on a European level. To encourage language learning and the use and development of ICT skills. And to do all of this within the context of studying nature as the source of our wealth.
Five schools from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Spain, and Turkey participated in the project with students aged 13-19. The Czech and Polish partners were secondary schools teaching mostly natural sciences and computer science, the Spanish and Turkish schools had a smaller number of scientific interests, with drawing and arts playing a role. In addition to language learning and the arts, the Hungarian school is also seeking to develop its natural science profile.
The project’s activities can be divided into two main parts. On a local level, the teachers in the schools directed the students’ work conducting experiments, using measuring instruments, evaluating data, expanding practical knowledge, making short videos and presentations, visiting workshops, going on excursions and field-trips, as well as organizing competitions, holding exhibitions, teaching tutorials, creating and editing a web site, maintaining a dedicated notice board, writing newspaper articles and reports, etc.
On an international level, we held project meetings in all of the countries, where the students and teachers participated in programs related to the theme of the meeting. These included making presentations, visits to national parks and places of special interest, participating in lessons, workshops and training sessions, teachers’ meetings, discussions and evaluation activities. All countries fulfilled their previously agreed duties and responsibilities for each meeting.
Both teachers and students gained important practice in how to present a topic in an interesting way, using relevant information and in a foreign language. We used self-assembled materials. We learned to use new presentational tools, creating short films and slide shows, etc. We researched project-related topics on the Internet. We published our work on our website and made it accessible to all the partners.
The students and teachers involved in the project developed their communication, presentation and language skills, as well as their knowledge and competence in natural science and the environment.
The teachers learned how to use new web interfaces to communicate and to exchange information and ideas. They also learned how to use new teaching applications, such as Kahoots, to make their lessons more interesting.
The age-specific characteristics of the students suit an artistic approach. We used drawing, painting, photography and other creative activities to familiarize the students with issues concerning nature and the environment. We also translated texts on nature conservation.
It is very important to make progress and meet the challenges of teaching in the field of natural sciences. The project has raised the profile of the sciences and science teaching in the schools. It has helped to change the attitudes of both teachers and students, through a willingness to adopt different approaches and to value non-formal teaching methods.
Moreover, the students, parents and teachers have become increasingly aware of the concrete value of language learning in the modern world, with its importance for education, research and job opportunities.
The project has lead to much greater cooperation between teachers of different subjects and has helped the students to appreciate the interrelationships between the different disciplines. It has been a team-building exercise resulting in a more cohesive and effective teaching staff.
The knowledge and experience gained during the project, as well as the materials we have created will remain in the schools and help to improve teaching in the future.
The project has also increased the profile of the participating towns and their regions on a European level. The parents, students, other schools and townsfolk were able to follow the project’s activities in the local press, on local television and radio, and on the Internet.
More people are aware of the importance of a European outlook. More people have been made aware of the aims and the scope of the Erasm

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 108725 Eur

Project Coordinator

Makói József Attila Gimnázium & Country: HU

Project Partners

• Gymnazium Aloise Jiraska, Litomysl, T. G. Masaryka 590
• Techniczne Zaklady Naukowe im. gen.Wladyslawa Sikorskiego
• Naciye Mumcuoglu Anadolu Lisesi
• I.E.S ” Villa de Níjar”