Lifelong Learning Programme

The meThodEnvKids develops an explorative and collaborative didactical framework that combines game-based, story-telling, and project-based approaches taking advantage of virtual experimentation. In the resulting learning environment children can learn from each other in the context of a European school network. The learning tools are developed on national environmental policies and scientific data thus providing a root to reality. The tools focus on impact hiding underlying computational complexity through graphical interfaces. Immediate feedback puts an emphasis on impact of actions. An open-ended approach encourages the maximization of positive effects on quality of life without imposing a single, correct solution thus fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.

The resulTsAn explorative and collaborative didactical framework for environmental primary education that takes advantage of virtual experimentation to enhance existing instructional practices.

Proof-of-concept on-line educational tools for children covering wide environmental education topics:• Natural resources management• Energy production methods• Every day good practices towards pollution control

Supporting material for teachers:• Explorative and collaborative learning activities that deploy the EnvKids digital tools in wider blended learning scenarios

• Good practice guidelines for teachers in the form of a video gallery

• Application manuals

• Learning activity work sheets

ConTraCTor Centre for Research and Technology Thessaly, Greece

CoordinaTorUniversity of ThessalyIasonos 1038333 Volos, GreeceWeb-page: www.uth.grHariklia Tsalapatas, htsalapa@uth.gr

ConTaCT in norWaY Dr. John B. Stav, John.B.Stav@hist.noSør-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Technology7004 Trondheim, NorwayWeb-page: www.hcr.no, www.histproject.no

ParTnersSør-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Technology, Trondheim, Norway

University of Thessaly, Greece

Ecole Saint Barbe, France

Basic School Planany, Czech Republic

Elementary School of Portaria, Greece

Centre for Flexible Learning, Söderhamn, Sweden

envKids

BaCKground informaTionWhile public awareness on environmental sustainability is globally gaining momentum, many perceive the issue as one of the future as opposed to today and would consider a change in daily practices towards more environmentally compatible solutions as a sacrifice of comport and routine. Acceptance of environmentally friendly practices, such as renewable energy solutions, is still low facing high resistance by local communities and pointing to the urgent need for environmental education, especially targeting the next generation, as a complementary strategy to policies and initiatives towards pollution control.

envKids: environmenTal susTainaBiliTY Training for Children Through on-line simulaTion, exPloraTion, and CollaBoraTion(1.12.2009 – 30.11.2011) Contract 502390-LLP-1-2009-GR-COMENIUS-CMP

The oBjeCTive EnvKids aims to raise awareness on environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation activities among elementary school children. The project deploys explorative and collaborative learning pedagogy taking advantage of children’s natural curiosity to develop critical thinking towards environmentally friendly behaviour.

EnvKids does not aim to compete with existing environmental curricula. Instead, the project builds value-adding on-line tools that complement existing instructional practices and promote collaboration among European schools. At the same time the activities promote the development of crucial ICT skills.

The TargeT grouP• Primary education children, aged 6-12

• Primary education teachers

• Primary education policy makers