Objectives of the project
The project aimed to strengthen students’ environmental awareness by exploring ocean ecosystems through interdisciplinary, experiential learning. It sought to develop critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and environmental responsibility by engaging pupils in research, artistic creation, field activities, and collaboration across grade levels. The whole-school approach ensured that teachers from different subjects co-designed an integrated curriculum centred on ocean protection.
Activities
A rich set of activities was implemented across all grades. Students conducted group research on ocean ecosystems, learned from a marine biologist’s lecture on rocky seabed habitats, and carried out a beach cleanup with data collection and waste management training. Classes created posters, recycled-art projects, digital collages, a digital story, and a dedicated song about the oceans. Younger students performed a theatre play for the school and parents, while educational visits to Cretaquarium introduced pupils to marine organisms. Despite weather-related delays to some outdoor activities, the programme adapted flexibly using indoor workshops and model-making. The project fostered empathy, collaboration, environmental literacy, and strong community-school links.
Expected outputs
Outputs included posters, models, digital presentations, videos, a digital storybook, artistic works, a student-created song, and an educational guide for teachers. All materials were published on the school website or shared via video platforms and Google Drive. These products now serve as reusable educational resources for future environmental projects and cross-curricular learning.
Impact
All 320 students of the school participated directly in the project, implementing research, artistic, theatrical, musical, and environmental activities across age groups. An additional 45 students from the 4th Primary School of Heraklion joined selected activities, such as beach cleanups and an art exhibition. Families, teachers, and the wider community were actively involved through materials, events, and presentations. The project significantly enhanced environmental awareness, strengthened community engagement, and deepened interdisciplinary learning across the school.
Project website: exploringoceans.blogspot.com
