Our project is called Peddle Power and has a twofold objective. In the first place it aims to teach pupils 21st century skills such as teamwork, research, critical thinking, creative thinking, peer teaching, problem solving, presentation techniques, writing skills, cultural awareness and tolerance, social interaction, communication etc. The second objective is to promote ( the importance of) cycling in each country. 3 countries are involved in this project and four schools from different areas in Europe, each with its own challenges when it comes to promoting cycling as an environmentally friendly and healthy means of transportation. In Germany there is insufficient and unsuitable infrastructure for cyclists; in Reus, Catalonia there is sufficient infra structure but inhabitants are not really motivated to use bicycles; in the Netherlands there is ample infrastructure and cycling is a popular means for short distance transportation to school and work but recreational cycling is not very popular. In 4 groups consisting of pupils from each partner school each group will do research into the challenges and problems of one of the areas. Students will bring their own input from their home country and together decide how to tackle the regional problem of promoting cycling and make a proposal for the town council of that area in which they present their ideas how best to tackle the problem. In order to help the pupils do so they will get together twice a year during exchange weeks and work via eTwinning and Skype and mail on the proposal in the months inbetween meetings. They will be helped by various lessons in which cycling is dealt with from different subject view points ( e.g. biology, sports, physics, geography) and presentation and writing skills are supported in language lessons. Each group will finally present their proposal to the local town council officials. For teachers the benefits of this joint project will be the cooperative setting up of lesson plans and cultural and educational exchange of ideas and background. Pupils involved are between 14 and 16 years old and will stay in host families ( families of participating pupils). Of course all pupils will be provided with bicycles for the duration of the exchange!
Our project is called Peddle Power and has a twofold objective. In the first place it aims to teach pupils 21st century skills such as teamwork, research, critical thinking, creative thinking, peer teaching, problem solving, presentation techniques, writing skills, cultural awareness and tolerance, social interaction, communication etc. The second objective is to promote ( the importance of) cycling in each country. 3 countries are involved in this project and four schools from different areas in Europe, each with its own challenges when it comes to promoting cycling as an environmentally friendly and healthy means of transportation. In Germany there is insufficient and unsuitable infrastructure for cyclists; in Reus, Catalonia there is sufficient infra structure but inhabitants are not really motivated to use bicycles; in the Netherlands there is ample infrastructure and cycling is a popular means for short distance transportation to school and work but recreational cycling is not very popular. In 4 groups consisting of pupils from each partner school each group will do research into the challenges and problems of one of the areas. Students will bring their own input from their home country and together decide how to tackle the regional problem of promoting cycling and make a proposal for the town council of that area in which they present their ideas how best to tackle the problem. In order to help the pupils do so they will get together twice a year during exchange weeks and work via eTwinning and Skype and mail on the proposal in the months inbetween meetings. They will be helped by various lessons in which cycling is dealt with from different subject view points ( e.g. biology, sports, physics, geography) and presentation and writing skills are supported in language lessons. Each group will finally present their proposal to the local town council officials. For teachers the benefits of this joint project will be the cooperative setting up of lesson plans and cultural and educational exchange of ideas and background. Pupils involved are between 14 and 16 years old and will stay in host families ( families of participating pupils). Of course all pupils will be provided with bicycles for the duration of the exchange!