The Challenge Addressed
The ‘‘Nemophilist Econuts for Green Project’’ aims to re-establish the balance between humans and nature, supporting the EU Green Deal. By educating youth as eco-friendly role models, it promotes resource efficiency and immediate climate action.
Participants develop digital skills, cross-cultural awareness, and active European citizenship, driving the transition toward a climate-neutral future.
The challenge the practice contributes to solve: The project addresses the critical global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.
Specifically, it aims to solve the disconnect between humans and the environment by re-establishing the "rhythm between nature and human beings". It targets the reduction of carbon footprints within school communities and combats the lack of awareness regarding trash lifespans and resource efficiency.
Why the Practice is Innovative
The reason why the practice is innovative: This practice is innovative due to its integration of cutting-edge technology with environmental education.
It utilizes Artificial Intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT and Leonardo.ai) for creative storytelling and art design. It also employs "Eco Moda" (sustainable fashion) workshops to teach upcycling and gamifies learning through custom-made board games like Taboo and Bingo focused on Sustainable Development Goals.
Type of Integration and Key Competences
The project integrates eTwinning and Erasmus+ frameworks to foster interdisciplinary learning across Geography, Science, and Art.
Key competences developed include:
- Digital Competence: Mastering Web 2.0 tools (Canva, Genially etc.) and AI applications.
- Scientific Literacy: Calculating and analyzing carbon and water footprints.
- Civic Competence: Acting as "Climate Action Activists" and volunteering.
- Cultural Awareness: Collaborating in international mixed teams.
Role of the Teacher/Trainer
The teacher acts as a facilitator, a moderator, and a role model.
He organizes webinars with experts, moderates monthly activities (e.g., Türkiye teams leading specific modules), and guides students in hands-on workshops like planting trees and creating recycled art.
He also transitions into authors by publishing lesson plans and academic papers on the project's outcomes.
Type of Learning Activities
Activities range from digital collaboration to field action:
- Analytical: Carbon footprint surveys and reports.
- Creative: Designing "Voice of Glaciers" stories with AI and creating "Eco Moda" clothing from waste.
- Practical: Planting trees, establishing school gardens, and visiting recycling centers.
- Gamified: Playing online quizzes (Kahoot, Baamboozle) and physical board games.
Impact of the Practice
The project achieved a measurable goal of reducing partner schools' carbon footprints by 7%.
It resulted in the creation of a "Climate Action Activist Library", a "School Recycling Program", and the planting of trees across four countries.
The quality of work was recognized with National & European Quality Labels in Türkiye, Croatia, Romania, and Italy. And also the project ranked among the best eTwinning projects in Romania.
Potential for Replication
Replication is highly facilitated through specific project outputs designed for reuse.
These include "Nemo-Eco Lesson Plans for Teachers" covering AI and renewable energy, an "Environmental Dictionary", and adaptable game templates like the SDGs Bingo and Taboo.
All resources and good practices are centrally available on the project website (nemoeco.my.canva.site).
Innovator: Necip Akça - Bodrum Bilim ve Sanat Merkezi