The project's main goal was to address climate change by raising environmental awareness and aligning with the EU Green Deal. It sought to enhance the quality of school education through the integration of STEAM and nature pedagogy. Key objectives included designing open educational resources for farm-school collaborations, creating a competency framework for using farms as ecological learning environments, and providing practical teacher training in environment-oriented educational games. Additionally, the project aimed to develop game-based, digitally enriched learning resources for farming education. By promoting farms as educational environments, the project sought to empower both schools and farmers, fostering interdisciplinary learning and ecological literacy beyond geographical boundaries.
The School to Farm project addresses a critical gap in environmental education in both formal and informal learning environments. Traditional methods often fail to prepare students for urgent environmental issues. This initiative emphasizes hands-on education, which is increasingly in demand. Research shows that direct interaction with nature improves understanding of complex concepts, and by using farms as active learning spaces, the project fosters ecological literacy. Educational systems frequently compartmentalizes subjects, limiting interdisciplinary connections. The project promotes an interdisciplinary approach essential for grasping the links between ecology, agriculture, and technology. Through engaging, gamified activities, it captivates students and enhances their critical thinking skills. Moreover, many schools lack structured extracurricular activities and resources for game-based learning. By equipping teachers with essential tools and training, the project empowers them to effectively utilize outdoor settings for experiential learning. Ultimately, the project prepares students to engage with agriculture and sustainability, cultivating environmentally conscious individuals ready to face pressing challenges.