Water as Life and Cultural bridge
Objectives of the project
Water as Life and Cultural Bridge aimed to help students from an inland school in northern Spain feel connected to the ocean by linking their local environment, including a nearby river and ancient watermill, with coastal ecosystems.
The project aimed to engage students in hands-on science, promote sustainability, and raise awareness of river and marine pollution. It also encouraged students to design actions to reduce their ecological footprint and reflect on the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Another key objective was to strengthen international cooperation through eTwinning, connecting students with partner schools from other countries to co-develop shared educational resources and promote intercultural learning.
The project also supported cross-curricular and inclusive learning by combining science, art, communication, and language activities, allowing all students, including local and immigrant children, to contribute creatively and work together.
Activities
Students took part in water-related sports activities designed to connect outdoor learning with marine awareness and help them understand the importance of keeping water environments clean.
The project also included an eTwinning collaboration, where students worked with international partners, designed a logo and poster, joined online meetings, completed surveys, and created collaborative products. These included a calendar of Mediterranean recipes and traditions, a virtual museum tour, research about water ecosystems, and a shared student covenant to protect the sea.
Students also visited La Cité de l’Océan and the Aquarium in Biarritz, where they explored ocean systems, marine biodiversity, conservation, and scientific information to support their Blue Book.
The project culminated in the creation of a Blue Book, a virtual museum tour, and an exhibition for families, allowing students to present their research, commitments, and learning outcomes to the wider school community.
Expected outputs
The main outputs of the project included a Virtual Museum Tour, a Blue Book, and an International Student Covenant.
The Virtual Museum Tour showcased student research, interactive water-quality maps, and creative digital exhibits.
The Blue Book was created in both paper and digital formats and documented students’ scientific research, visits to the aquarium and La Cité de l’Océan, and their conservation commitments.
The International Student Covenant was developed with international partner schools and reflected a shared commitment to protecting global oceans.
These outputs were integrated into Biology, Science, English, and Sustainable Development Goals-related activities, particularly around clean water and life below water.
Impact
The project directly involved 24 students in its core activities, with additional students helping to set up the exhibition. It also reached the whole school community through surveys, visits to the exhibition, and dissemination activities.
Students developed scientific, communication, language, teamwork, and intercultural skills. The use of English as the working language for international collaboration helped strengthen students’ bilingual communication and environmental vocabulary.
The project also helped an inland school build a stronger connection with the ocean. For some students, including those facing socio-economic difficulties or geographic barriers, it provided an opportunity to experience marine ecosystems more directly.
The materials developed through the project will continue to be used in future years, including in Biology and Geology, English, and cross-curricular sustainability activities. The Blue Book, International Student Covenant, and Virtual Museum Tour will remain available to teachers, students, families, and the wider school community.
