Blue biodiversity at school – bios
Objectives of the project
Blue Biodiversity at School – BIOS aimed to strengthen students’ knowledge of marine and freshwater environments and promote Blue Education through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.
The project focused on the Adriatic Sea, marine biodiversity, freshwater resources, and environmental protection. It aimed to help students better understand aquatic ecosystems, climate change, invasive species, and the importance of protecting the sea and water resources.
Another key objective was to strengthen teachers’ capacities in Blue Education, promote cooperation between students, teachers, parents, scientists, and local stakeholders, and integrate biodiversity-related topics more strongly into the school curriculum.
Activities
Students took part in a round table discussion where they exchanged knowledge and shared experiences about climate change, ecosystems, the Adriatic Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Older students shared their conclusions with younger students through presentations and educational lessons, supporting peer-to-peer learning.
The project also included a workshop with a biologist from the University of Zadar and students from the departments of ecology, agronomy, and aquaculture, introducing students to modern scientific research methods.
Younger students visited a research vessel, where they gained hands-on experience with marine research techniques.
The project also developed a Blue Library, a Blue Dictionary, an educational trail in the schoolyard, a recycled-material wall decoration, and an exhibition of blue-themed recycled handicrafts.
Expected outputs
The project produced several lasting educational resources, including a Blue Library with books on the sea, water resources, and environmental protection.
A Blue Dictionary was created with around 250 terms related to biodiversity and marine and freshwater environments, adapted for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
The project also created an educational mural and a maritime educational trail in the schoolyard, focused on endangered and protected species of the Adriatic Sea.
Other outputs included recycled blue-themed handicrafts, project exhibitions, presentations, and promotional materials shared with the school community and wider public.
Impact
The project directly involved students through classroom and extracurricular activities, helping them develop scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and interest in marine conservation.
It strengthened students’ understanding of marine and freshwater biodiversity, invasive species, climate change, and the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.
The project also improved cooperation between the school, parents, the scientific community, and local stakeholders. External partners, including the Marine Explorers Society and the University of Zadar, provided students with valuable hands-on and research-based learning experiences.
The results will continue to support the school’s long-term work on biodiversity education and will be shared with other schools through presentations and teacher meetings.
