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Description
During the project implementation, a group of about 40 students from partner schools will start conducting long-term measurements of the amount of dust 2.5 pm and 5 pm in the air. Measurements will be performed using self-constructed and programmed devices based on microcontrollers. The analysis of research results in terms of factors influencing the level of dust and its impact on the environment forces the interdisciplinary nature of the research. An important summary of the project will be a conference where the conclusions of the observations will be presented to the general public, and students will have the opportunity to discuss with experts. The project will also result in the publication of research results in the form of a book and on the website, as well as a complete program of activities, scenarios and instructions to implement the project.
The project is an important element in building a green, competitive and modern Europe.
Summary of project results
The project was created out of the need to respond to the growing problem of air pollution in Poland and Iceland. These problems negatively affect human health, especially children, and the natural environment. The aim of the project was to increase awareness of air quality and its impact, as well as to equip students with tools to monitor and analyze pollution-related data. An important aspect of the project was also introducing students to the topics and methodology of conducting scientific research and integration in international teams. It was important for us to introduce young people to work in a project mode, focusing on cooperation and sharing research results.
The following activities were undertaken as part of the project:
Measuring sets have been purchased. Students and teachers were trained in the construction and software of measurement sets based on MicroBit controllers. Then, the participants divided into international groups, each of which planned its own research program. Measurements of the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 dust began, during online meetings the progress of work was analyzed on an ongoing basis, teachers and experts provided substantive comments and tips on the progress of work
Students were actively involved in the data collection process. Training and workshops were conducted to teach them how to use measuring devices and analyze the collected data. Thanks to this, students gained practical skills in natural sciences, technology, programming and data analysis. For most of them, it was their first contact with this type of measurement sets, as well as practical programming skills and analysis of research results.
The project produced air quality measurement kits, which the students learned how to use and interpret the results. They can be used for further research, making them a sustainable educational tool. Posters of the research results created by the project groups. These materials not only illustrate the research process, but can also serve as inspiration for future projects. Detailed reports documenting the results of air quality measurements at various locations. These reports can be used by local communities, schools and authorities as a source of valuable information.
Summary of bilateral results
Cooperation with institutions from Donor States, such as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, within the framework of educational and research projects brings numerous benefits. In the context of our project, these benefits are visible, especially in terms of exchanging knowledge and experiences and raising educational standards. Thanks to mutual visits, teachers had the opportunity to share good teaching practices and modern teaching tools, which enriched the educational offer of schools participating in the project. Thanks to co-financing by the Donor States, we received financial resources, which enabled the implementation of the project, including the purchase of measurement sets, participation in mobilities, organization of dissemination events and publication of materials. The development of soft skills was also an important aspect: students and teachers participating in the project had the opportunity to develop language and communication skills and the ability to work in an international team. Cooperation with Menntaskolinn enabled:-better understanding of air quality issues. Students could compare research results from different locations and understand the global aspects of the air pollution problem.-interdisciplinary approach to science: The project integrated knowledge from various fields: biology, chemistry, geography and information technology-Iceland is known for innovative solutions in the field of environmental protection. The opportunity to become acquainted with them significantly increased the level of ecological awareness of Polish project participantsTo sum up, cooperation with an institution from the Donor States, such as Menntaskolinn in Reykjavik, in the project "Air quality testing as a path to knowledge" has brought many benefits, including the exchange of knowledge, raising educational standards and developing the skills of both students and teachers, and cooperation between our schools we intend to continue in the future.