The main objective of the "Talking with Dinosaurs" (TAD) project was to raise awareness about climate change by using palaeontology as a teaching tool. We aimed to engage students aged 11–15 and their teachers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) education through innovative and interdisciplinary methods. Specifically, we wanted to: Use the fascination with dinosaurs to spark interest in climate-related issues. Integrate climate change education into school curricula using local geoheritage. Enhance teachers’ competencies through cooperation with palaeontologists and geoscientists. Create and share educational resources such as STEAM lesson plans, mind maps, and a multilingual glossary. Support the EU 2030 climate goals by promoting green skills and environmental responsibility. Through cross-border collaboration and hands-on learning in geoparks and fossil sites, we aimed to make climate education more meaningful, inclusive, and action-oriented.
We applied for the "Talking with Dinosaurs" (TAD) project to address the growing need for engaging and effective climate change education among students aged 11–15. Traditional methods often fail to capture students’ interest, especially those from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds. Dinosaurs are universally fascinating and offer a powerful gateway to learning. Through the lens of palaeontology, we aimed to teach students about climate change, extinction, geoscience, and the environment in an accessible and memorable way. Our schools are located near geoparks and natural heritage sites, yet students and teachers often lack the tools and experience to incorporate these resources into the curriculum. By partnering with schools and organisations across Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, we sought to integrate STEAM education with real-world exploration of fossils, geodiversity, and palaeoclimate. The project also supported EU 2030 climate goals by fostering green skills and climate awareness at an early age.