Discover Buzzing Schools: Engaging Youth On Pollinator Conservation Through Learning Ecosystems

“The decline of pollinators poses a threat to both human wellbeing and Nature” (A New Deal for Pollinators, European Commission 2023). To address this fundamental issue, Buzzing Schools will engage young people in pollinator conservation, fostering care and action for the environment from an early age. The project will develop an educational toolkit with teachers and non-formal educators to introduce the topic of pollinators decline and biodiversity to children and young people from 9 to 16 years of age. Fostering a holistic approach to education, the toolkit will integrate STEM and non-STEM knowledge with green skills and competences, immersive technologies, and relatable role models to create a thriving learning ecosystem for students.

The project is part of the European Commission’s Youth for Pollinators Pilot Project under the EU Pollinators Initiative. It is developed by European Schoolnet®, a Network of 30 + Ministries of Education and its Scientix® community for science education in Europe, and by Poppins & Wayne, the creative studio behind the award-winning hybrid interactive experience Pollinator Park.

The toolkit will include:

POLLINATOR LEARNING SCENARIOS:

12 ready-made learning scenarios for teachers to integrate pollinator-related topics in lessons. Co-created, piloted, and validated by teachers from primary and secondary education with help from the Pollinators Scientific Council (pedagogical and pollinator experts).

BUZZ INTO YOUR FUTURE:

8 career profiles and related activities introducing pollinator-related careers to students. Interviews with inspiring experts available in paper, video, and podcast formats for optimal adaptability to the classroom and beyond.

BLOOMING OUTDOORS:

A catalogue of 8 outdoor activities to take learning about pollinators outside the classroom and into non-formal settings. Developed with expert teachers and educators to inspire learners about, for, and in nature!

POLLINATOR PARK:

Student and curriculum-friendly VR and web experiences to learn about pollinators and the impact of their declining numbers on food availability and natural ecosystems. The Pollinator Park VR and web experience will be optimised to fit formal and informal learning settings.

Check out the project’s one pager and make sure to stay connected with Scientix to be the first to know about the release of the toolkit!