Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.Read more
This is the standard requirement for most courses. Participants at this level can participate actively in discussions and manage everyday and professional situations. If they are unsure about their English level, they can test it here or explore our courses facilitated in Basic English.
Cross-Curricular.Read more
The listed audiences are those for whom the course is especially recommended, but courses are not exclusive to them and are open to everyone. In fact, most of our workshops are built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles enriches the learning process and is highly encouraged!
Description
Addressing topics like climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability in classrooms can be challenging.
This course introduces the Blue Schools approach, a flexible and inspiring model that connects ocean literacy, sustainability, emotional learning, and the STEAM disciplines in creative and practical ways.
Originally focused on promoting climate awareness through the ocean, a Blue School is any learning environment that explores the deep connections between nature, society, and self.
The course is inspired by the concept of “liquid education,” a learner-centered model that combines elements of nature, emotion, and technology into a meaningful learning experience.
During the course, participants will explore the principles of ocean literacy, climate education, and the Blue School framework, applying the liquid education to combine emotional learning, outdoor activities, and digital tools.
They will discover strategies to foster ecological awareness and a sense of belonging in their students.
Participants will also engage in game-based learning strategies, including the design of GooseChase treasure hunts and other outdoor activities.
Furthermore, they will learn how to integrate STEAM disciplines to address environmental topics and design a Project-Based Learning plan tailored to their own school and students’ needs.
By the end of the course, participants will have reflected on how place-based learning can promote inclusion, cooperation, and climate awareness, and will leave with practical tools to include and connect nature, innovation, and emotional learning in their own teaching practices.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help participants to:
- Understand the core principles of ocean literacy, climate education, and the Blue Schools framework;
- Explore and apply the concept of liquid education, combining emotional, outdoor, and digital learning methods;
- Develop strategies to foster emotional engagement, ecological awareness, and a sense of belonging in students;
- Gain hands-on experience in using nature-based activities, such as nature walks, stop motion art, and interactive mapping;
- Learn how to design and facilitate GooseChase treasure hunts and other game-based outdoor learning experiences;
- Integrate STEAM disciplines and the arts in cross-curricular, sustainability-focused learning projects;
- Design a Project-Based Learning (PBL) plan connected to real-world environmental and social challenges;
- Discover how to collaborate with local environmental organizations and build school-community partnerships;
- Reflect on how place-based learning can strengthen school inclusion, cooperation, and climate resilience.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction and reconnecting with nature
- Welcome and introduction
- Participant presentations: schools and contexts
- Activity: sharing of a natural object brought from home (storytelling and emotional connection)
- Learning Session: natural heritage and bioregionalism
- Group reflection: identity, belonging, and nature
Day 2 – Nature walks and creative observation
- Learning Session: climate change and the oceans;
- Field Activity: nature walk using apps like Wikiloc to scan flora and fauna;
- Creative Lab:
- Stop motion studio or art Installation with collected elements from the park and the sea;
- Focus on transformation and storytelling through natural materials.
Day 3 – Ocean literacy and digital exploration
- Learning session: ocean literacy & blue school framework;
- Collaborative activity: create an interactive map of the Mediterranean (ecological and cultural layers);
- Outdoor learning: GooseChase game on sustainability;
- Workshop: design your own GooseChase for school use.
Day 4 – PBL and cross-curricular creativity
- Learning session: Introduction to Project-Based Learning (PBL);
- Real examples: overfishing, migration, tourism, biodiversity, food systems;
- Group workshop: connect the course content to the:
- School curriculum;
- Start building your own Blue School PBL Plan.
Immersive Visit & Emotional Encounters
- Field Visit: A local marine or coastal environmental center;
- Dialogue with local change-makers: educators, scientists, and activists;
- Emotional circle by the sea: final reflection, closing ritual, goodbye.
Day 5 – Collaboration and future visions
- Participants present their PBL plans and receive feedback;
- Final Reflection.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competences, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
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