Project: Sea Change: Empowering Students for a Carbon-Neutral Coast
Objectives of the project
The project transformed Klaipėda “Varpas” Gymnasium into a centre for ocean literacy and climate action on the Baltic Sea coast. Addressing rising CO₂ levels and threats to the marine ecosystem, it introduced a STEAM-based model where students measured air and water quality using CO₂ monitors, took part in two interactive workshops at the Lithuanian Sea Museum, and developed creative awareness-raising outputs.
Their findings were shared through a public art exhibition, a project video, and a national student conference bringing together 150 students, teachers, and partners. By combining scientific inquiry, creativity, and community engagement, the project enhanced problem-solving instruction and nurtured student leadership for a carbon-neutral future.
Activities
The project included a launch workshop for 50 students, two educational programmes at the Lithuanian Sea Museum, and a series of STEAM-based chemistry labs where students analysed CO₂ in air and water, as well as other water pollution factors.
Students created recycled-paper artworks expressing ocean health concerns and exhibited them publicly. A teacher exchange enabled best-practice sharing on ocean literacy. The project culminated in a national conference with approximately 150 participants, where students presented research results and carbon-reduction proposals. All activities were documented in project videos and disseminated through school media and local press.
Expected outputs
The project produced STEAM research results, including student-developed solution proposals for marine health. It resulted in a student art exhibition on ocean health, as well as a video highlighting research activities, museum visits, and community engagement.
A national conference involving 150 students, teachers, and partners was organised. In addition, teacher capacity in ocean literacy methods was improved through a twinning exchange focused on teaching ocean health to students.
Impact
The project actively involved 50 core students in hands-on scientific research, creativity-based awareness actions, and public dissemination, as well as four lead teachers. Their peers, parents, and the wider school community were engaged through the art exhibition and conference.
Teachers benefited from methodological enrichment through interdisciplinary STEAM activities and the twinning exchange. Partners, including the municipality, museum, and university researchers, contributed expertise on climate and marine health.
The project reached around 1,000 community members through media outreach, strengthening environmental awareness and positioning students as change agents. It also contributed to strengthening the Lithuanian Blue Schools Network by engaging at least three additional network members in the national conference.
We hope this project inspires young people to become confident, creative, and informed guardians of the Baltic Sea – ready to see and lead towards a sustainable blue future.
