The core priority of the ECOSTEAM project is to bring concepts and European/global policies on the environment, in relation to water/waste/energy/ urban mobility, and the fight against climate change closer to students and fosters the collaboration between schools and Utilities. Educational resources developed in the project instil a change in behaviours, increasing the engagement of students encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving attitudes related to sustainability. The smart solutions created by the students using PBL, civic engagement and creative communication promoted by ECOSTEAM engage students in relevant, stimulating and effective learning as future agents of active citizenship and policy making. The project developed a learning methodology and didactic tools for secondary school education, adopting the integrated scientific subjects STEAM approach to awaken the students’ curiosity about sustainable development and climate change through Science and Civic Journalism. The methodology deals with water, waste, energy and urban mobility supporting the curricular teaching. The teaching materials produced by the project include innovative learning methodology and replicable Learning Plans and Learning Units.
The project supports schools in tackling water, energy, waste, and urban mobility issues through collaboration with external stakeholders, focusing on climate change and sustainability. Utilities often engage with schools to share knowledge and promote best practices. The project developed a methodology to help schools integrate stakeholders' educational input into STEAM subjects by interdisciplinary lesson plans and engaging student activities. The project developed an interdisciplinary teaching methodology based on PBL in which stakeholders bring technological innovations and best management practices to schools at local and global levels. The methodology addresses STEAM through real-life contexts, and students, at the end of the course, express themselves through civic journalism. Civic journalism stimulates critical thinking and strengthens young people's belief in their ability to contribute to innovation in daily best practices for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. The project implemented concrete dissemination activities through local events, contest for students, and international conferences that foster collaboration between schools and stakeholders.