Natural based solutions Project 5 schools: Lithuania, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland as an associated partner. By observing nature we could find the solutions to face the challenges of our society. Nature-inspired solutions, Natural-based solutions, Biomimetic, Bio-inspired technology… All these terms refers to systems and solutions that have been developed after been inspired by nature. These solutions are often simple and in the same time very efficient. NBS brings more, and more natural features and processes into cities. It tends to provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Students will visit compagnies or universities dealing with NBS devices, or technologies and they will do 4 practical experiments related to the NBS technology chosed. These experiments will follow the Inquiry-Based learning methodology. Thereby, students will be facing problematics that the NBS technology resolved and also students, will be put in place of the Scientist that have invented this NBS technology, while they will resolve their practical experiences. International teams of students will discuss, and face concrete issues where the communication and organization between them will be the key of success. All students activities will be in English while focusing on Scientific issues (Content and Language Integrated Learning ,CLIL, methodology). Through these practical and inquiry-based tasks several key competences has been addressed simultaneously in a cross-curricular manner: Students have incorporate and practice complex Scientific subjects while practicing a foreign language. Students have also been sensibilize to challenges faced by our society and thereby highlight the response bring by such NBS. Students have also understood the human component essential to rightly guide Science through the critical issues faced by our society. Also, Students have figure out the importance of these issues in the construction of a respectful and integrated European society. Teachers will also benefit of the project, by exchanging teaching methods that are highly cooperative, offering students innovative ways of learning. Which broadens teachers'practices and rises its effectiveness.Finally, participants have learn a lot about different European Cultures.
The project involved an exchange between schools from different European countries. The goal was to share methods and teaching strategies, but above all the aim of this project was to make the students compare and work together in different situations. Students learnt about Nature and enjoyed the benefits of international cooperation, to overcome language and cultural boundaries. They improved their Maths and Science skills and learned how to use modern communication tools. Partner teachers planned several activities during the Staff meetings and started working with pupils in schools, publishing their works on the eTwinning platform. The first planned mobility took place in March 2020 in Portugal. Some activities have been developped online before the pandemic. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the original plan, so we had to update the schedule. Each country has explored Natural environments and promoted Nature-related activities inside and outside the school buildings (open air activities). During the mobilities, plenty of activities were developped, such as experiments promoting inquiry-based learning methodology and simulating the work o scientists. Most of the activities focused on the environment and NBS: how nature based solutions can make a difference in a town. During the final mobility students made a presentation, in English, about the impotrtance of NBS fou our planet. All common activities were held in English, with particular attention to the Greek pupils who were the most young people and needed more help from teachers. There were also cultural activities and social issues that have contributed to buid the awareness of a respectful and integrated European identity. Students created a brochure summarizing the NBS project and sharing it with the community. Teachers learned how to share knowledge and plan together in times of stress. We expect pupils, teachers and our communities to be more aware of environmental problems and how NBS can be important to help people reduce them. We also expect all participants and schools that organized the mobilities to learn more about each country, to respect our differences and understand the importance of collaboration and communication in Europe and all over the world. The project has always involved 5 schools: Lithuania, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Switzerland as an external partner. The NBS project allowed the development of basic and transversal skills, such as: - motivate students to discover Science working in real-life situations; - explore new approaches to Science topics; - improve language skills; - develop the awareness of cultural diversities in Europe; There have been 4 mobilities: - First staff meeting; - First students exchange (virtual with Greece) in Italy; - Second students exchange (virtual with Greece) in Portugal; - Final staff meeting . Project results: - Understand the importance of recycling and reuse and composting; - Observe NBS and understand their importance for the planet: ecosystems, water, buildings, energy; - Learn new creative ways to help ecosystems - A better understanding of the importance of sustainability and the circular economy in our lives.