24-28 March 2025

The organizations involved in the project Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM project (BSB00354) are proud to announce the completion of its curriculum, which features six dynamic modules designed to educate children on the integration of STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with environmental sustainability.

It is an innovative approach to equip young minds with the knowledge and skills needed to address the complex environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

What is E-STEM Education?

E-STEM is a unique methodology that blends environmental education with STEM, encouraging children to solve real-world environmental problems. By working with authentic environmental issues, learners not only engage in interdisciplinary learning but also develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and cooperation. This approach deepens students' understanding of STEM disciplines while fostering their curiosity about environmental sustainability.

The Six E-STEM Modules

The finalized curriculum consists of six engaging modules, each addressing a critical environmental theme:

1. Module 1: Ecosystems and Biodiversity
   Children will explore terrestrial and aquatic biomes, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the importance of biodiversity. A field trip will provide hands-on experience in understanding organism relationships in local ecosystems.
2. Module 2: Environment and Water 
   This module will raise awareness about water pollution, water quality, and treatment. Students will have the opportunity to collect real data on water quality and explore aquaponics systems to investigate the impact of water quality on aquatic life and sustainable food production.
3. Module 3: Environment and Air
   Focused on global warming, climate change, and the greenhouse effect, this module will involve analyzing real NASA satellite data and local air quality measurements, allowing students to explore indoor air quality using monitoring devices.
4. Module 4: Environment and Soil 
   Children will investigate soil quality, erosion, and deforestation, using virtual labs to simulate the effects of land slope and vegetation on erosion. A field trip will allow students to evaluate the ecological services of local forests.
5. Module 5: Environment and Renewable Energy 
   In this module, children will learn about renewable energy sources and the engineering principles behind solar panels and wind turbines. They will then take on challenges to design renewable energy-powered systems such as cars, lighting, and water pumps.
6. Module 6: Environment and Waste Management
   The final module will raise awareness of waste types, recycling, and composting. Children will engage in creative redesigns of waste materials and explore composting’s role in agriculture. A field trip will focus on waste management and recycling in their community.

Capacity Building Training for Trainers

To ensure the effective implementation of these modules, a Capacity Building Training will be held from March 24-28, 2025, in Istanbul. The training will be offered both in-person and online, allowing participants from partner institutions to attend regardless of location. This training will provide trainers with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully deliver the E-STEM curriculum and equip them to motivate and engage students.

The training Agenda is available for review, and those wishing to watch the live broadcast must complete the registration form here: https://forms.gle/7VLjtny3HZk1KQfi8.

A Collaborative Effort for Future Generations

The project partners, who are active institutions engaged in social, environmental, cultural, and artistic activities, will train around 300 children per partner institution. The curriculum will be delivered to children in two age groups (8-11 years and 12-15 years), with a special focus on maintaining small group sizes of around 15 participants per session. Each module will span a 6-hour training program, fostering deep engagement and hands-on learning experiences.

By empowering young learners through E-STEM education, the project aims to equip them with the tools to create a sustainable future, where environmental issues are met with informed, thoughtful, and effective solutions.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses, and don't miss the opportunity to participate in the live broadcast of the Capacity Building Training!

25 March 2025

Beneficiaries of the 1st calls for proposals under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme are invited to participate to an online webinar organized on 25 March, 2025, aiming to serve as a platform for discussing key aspects of project implementation, including their evolution and challenges.

The webinar will provide the most up-to-date information on financial and reporting aspects, to ensure the smooth execution of projects, offering an opportunity to exchange experiences and address common issues.

📅 Date: 25^th of March, 2025

⏰ Time: 10:00-12:00 hrs. (EET)

📍 Online Platform: Webex (a link to connect to the webinar will be shared with the confirmed participants)

🔗 Registration Link (opened until 24^th of March 2025, 10:00 hrs.): HERE