CIRCULAR ECONOMY: RETHINKING THE WORLD FROM SCHOOL Erasmus Project

Project Title

CIRCULAR ECONOMY: RETHINKING THE WORLD FROM SCHOOL

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 : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Civic engagement / responsible citizenship; Environment and climate change; Energy and resources

Project Summary

Project idea: Sustainability and Circular Economy training for secondary school students with the intent of disseminating information within the local community.
Objectives: Creation of a series of tools aimed at raising awareness among different age groups (teenagers, young children and adults) of the need for a more sustainable progress to be achieved with a shift towards a Circular Economy.
Content: The project wants to teach students about environmental problems caused by the traditional Linear Economy which exploits resources in an unsustainable way without thinking about future generations. Students should become familiar with the concept of Circular Economy based on the use of renewable resources with the final aim of sharing their knowledge.
The project will include theory and practical sessions in the form of traditional lessons, workshops and visits.
Students will acquire the relevant knowledge through lab activities concerning recycling materials, by playing a board game devised by the CNR (National Research Centre) of Bologna in cooperation with several European partners called “Eco-Ceo” and by visiting local companies, Research Centres or Universities that are already working within a Circular Economy or towards implementing it.
To start with, students will carry out three surveys among the different age-groups in their own country to assess any previous knowledge on the issue and to inform their choice about the nature and the content of the final dissemination tools. The students from different European schools will communicate through the eTwinning platform to coordinate activities, discuss results and decide the next steps.
Once acquired the necessary knowledge, students will then be required to create a series of tools to share information about ways to promote a change from our current Linear Economy to a more eco-friendly system. For example students could create a video or a powerpoint presentation to inform their peers or adults (teaching staff, relatives, members of the local communities, local councillors etc.) and a board game or a comic for younger children. The partner schools will work together towards the outcomes aimed at the different age groups according to the results from the initial surveys.
Given the relevance of the topic, dissemination will be a fundamental aspect and will take place beyond the project’s deadline. A further conference open to other secondary schools will see students presenting their work and giving feedback on the whole experience. The project’s materials will be published on the school homepage, on the Erasmus+ section of the school website and on the eTwinning platform.
Benefits: There will be obvious benefits for the students in terms of learning about a very relevant and contemporary issue which is fundamental for the future of our planet. Besides, the various activities should promote teamwork, problem-solving skills and the ability to share knowledge. Thanks to visiting businesses, Research Centres or Universities students will also have the chance to learn about employment opportunities within the market concerning this fairly new type of economy.
There will be further benefits for the people belonging to the school community and to the local community in general, at whom the final outcome of the project is aimed.
Finally the students will clearly have a great chance to improve their English skills and their cultural knowledge by working with another European Partner.
Required partners: One European school, beside the leading one, one local business, Research Centre or University in each country working in the recycling sector, the CNR of Bologna which will support our theory lesson and the lab activities.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 38000 Eur

Project Coordinator

IIS Majorana & Country: IT

Project Partners

• INSTITUTO EDUCACION SECUNDARIA LAZARO CARDENAS