Objectives of the Project
The “Save the Seas” project aimed to enhance environmental literacy among primary school students by addressing gaps in knowledge about ocean pollution and sustainability. It sought to transform students’ strong interest in environmental action into meaningful engagement through hands-on, collaborative learning. The project also aimed to foster responsible behaviours, strengthen connections between the school and the wider community, and promote ocean stewardship through creative and experiential education.
Activities
The project was implemented over three months through four main activities. It began with marine literacy sessions introducing students to ocean ecosystems and environmental threats. This was followed by a beach clean-up organised in collaboration with TURMEPA and supported by Istanbul Technical University, where students collected and analysed marine litter. In the next phase, students participated in creative workshops, transforming collected waste into educational board games. The project concluded with a public exhibition where students presented their games, engaged with families and stakeholders, and facilitated discussions on sustainability.
Expected Outputs
The project generated several key outputs, including a student-designed educational board game focused on ocean sustainability, accompanied by an instruction manual for classroom use. Additional outputs included awareness posters, illustrated newsletters documenting each project phase, and a teacher guide outlining workshop methodologies. Digital materials such as photos, videos, and promotional content were also produced to support dissemination and replication.
Impact
The project significantly improved students’ understanding of environmental issues while developing their creativity, teamwork, and communication skills. It strengthened collaboration between students, teachers, families, and external partners, and increased environmental awareness across the wider school community. The initiative also created lasting educational resources integrated into the curriculum and inspired interest from other schools and institutions, supporting the project’s long-term sustainability and replication potential.
