Summary

This course is part of the Erasmus Maris initiative which overall goal is to engage secondary schools in key phases of marine science studies, through a dynamic blend of formal and non-formal learning.  The current spotlight is on the critical issue of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. The goal is to place schools at the forefront of this pressing research, contributing to real-world solutions.

The Erasmus Maris Week is an immersive educational experience focusing on microplastics pollution. The course involves various activities such as nautical exercises for team building, sampling microplastics onboard sailboats, analysis of environmental samples, and workshops. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and hands-on learning. It also includes a "train the trainers" session for the teachers.

This training is organized by the EU Erasmus Maris, with the support of OTGA.

Who is it for?

Secondary school students with an interest in environmental science, marine biology, or related fields. Students should have a basic understanding of scientific concepts, particularly those related to ecology, biology, and chemistry. Students should be familiar with basic laboratory techniques and fieldwork procedures (15 years and older). Part of the training is focused on Secondary school teachers who will undergo specific "train-the-trainer" activities on the same topics.

Venue

• Knowledge:
  • Recall key terms related to microplastic pollution.
  • Identify the main environmental impacts of microplastics.
  • Identify different types of microplastics commonly found in aquatic environments
  • List the different abiotic factors relevant to marine ecosystems.
• Comprehension:
  • Describe the importance of microplastics analysis in environmental research.
• Applying:
  • Collaborate with other pupils to apply sampling protocol to collect microplastic samples in different aquatic environments.
  • Use scientific equipment to measure abiotic factors in marine ecosystems.
  • Apply Erasmus Maris protocol for the analysis of environmental samples.
• Analysis:
  • Interpret data collected during the Erasmus Maris week and compare microplastic concentrations between rivers and seas and/or between different samples.
  • Synthesis and evaluation
  • Assess the environmental impact of microplastic pollution based on the data collected. 

• Overview of microplastics and their environmental impact
• Importance of microplastics analysis in environmental research
• Main microplastic pollution pathways: From rivers to the sea
• How to organize and conduct microplastics sampling in aquatic environments
• How to analyze microplastics environmental samples
• Additional Activities:
  • Evaluation and Feedback
  • Integration into Curriculum
  • Team-building activities (nautical activities)
  • Active participation in sampling and analysis activities
  • Environmental Awareness and Impact: Preparation of awareness campaigns through social media or posters.

• Participation and level of engagement: Observation of students' involvement in team-building activities, workshops, and discussions.
• Assessment of the Tasks: Assessment of the learning outcomes related to the assigned activities (analysis of samples, presentations, and reporting on their findings).
• Practical Skills Demonstrations: Students should demonstrate their understanding and skills acquired through practical tasks (conduct of sampling procedures, analysis of samples)
• Feedback and Reflection: students will be encouraged to reflect on their experiences and provide feedback on their learning progress.
• Formal Evaluation: Quizzes, and tests to assess students' understanding of key concepts and knowledge gained.

Language of Instruction

English