Description
Biodiversity is fundamental for the existence of life on Earth, and the importance of it cannot be underestimated. In the past few centuries, humans have had a hugely negative effect on biodiversity. Due to the damage we have caused, and the value that biodiversity has for us as humans, the protection of the natural environment is necessary. The goal of the project 'United in biodiversity – keep our world colourful' is to raise awareness of the students regarding the variety of plants or animals that exist and the ecosystems that they live in. We want students to participate actively in becoming responsible citizens. This project is first and foremost a great and important opportunity for the students and teachers in Slovenia (Gimnazija Tolmin), Portugal (Colegio Guadalupe) and Norway (Malakoff Upper Secondary School) to learn about biodiversity. The project will enable our students to work together both with peers in other streams in the respective schools but also in mixed groups. Furthermore, it will enable the schools to integrate different subjects like natural science, biology, languages and IT. A very important aspect is also the creation of bonds between our schools and universities.
Summary of project results
Students gained knowledge about the importance of biodiversity and they worked with peers from foreign countries. The results will be sustained through curriculum, lectures and meetings. The main objectives: to raise awareness regarding biodiversity, to research and exchange information about biodiversity, to find solutions for common problems and to meet and work with peers from different countries. These objectives were achieved through lectures, team work, projects done and presented by the students, cultural visits, living with families and social computer networking. The objectives have been completely accomplished. The impacts were: students being awared of the importance of biodiversity, enriched knowledge and improved language, communication and ICT skills. Outputs, delivered by this project were The Friendship garden, educational DVD, surveys, researches, E-herbarium All beneficiaries have been equally involved. The main benefit was impact on students as stated above. Participating in projects like this means being open to new ideas, facing new experiences and making new friends.
Summary of bilateral results
We chose 3 different countries that we could compare the biodiversity. The donor project partner has been very valuable (very experienced coordinator, we have worked before, very strong science department, strong connections with companies and environmental agency). They offered us all help needed. The main purpose of the project was to raise awareness regarding biodiversity, research, exchange information about the issues of biodiversity, and find solutions for common problems. Our main motivation was to make our students reflect about their future and make them aware they can go further than the present moment because they can do things “differently”. The experience of the collaborative work with teachers and students from another European country has broaden the minds of our students, made them more autonomous and last but not least increased their understanding of what it means to be an active citizen in an unified Europe. The project will of course grow over our school’s walls. We expect to cooperate again in new project (and maybe between universities) and increased staff motivation and satisfaction. Schools have gained some international exposure. Students had experienced working with peers from foreign schools. Many of our students will be working in these sectors in the future and all of them will be living in their surroundings so it is vital to open their eyes for the importance of biodiversity, its possibilities and what it means in the global context. If we see these students as leaders of a more global environmentally friendly environment, they will need to go out of their own culture and norms and see environments and culture, which are special for the partner country.