Respect for Nature, Heritage for the Future

Merely issuing statements, enacting laws, or utilizing technology is insufficient to protect the environment. The real solution lies in changing people's behaviors, attitudes, knowledge levels, and values. Environmental issues pose a threat to people's lives and life resources. Therefore, the solution to environmental problems can be achieved not only by repairing the damaged environment but also by developing environmental awareness. To better understand environmental issues, social consciousness and environmental awareness should be instilled at every level of society. Environmental awareness encompasses not only individuals but also all life forms and includes an interest in vital issues such as energy conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and reducing consumption. Since environmental consciousness is a lifelong process, it is important for individuals to start acquiring this awareness from an early age and put it into action. Environmental education plays a significant role in achieving all of these goals. In this context, our project is based on the protective, empowering, healing, and educational aspects of the environment. It is important for imparting sustainable environmental awareness to elementary school students. To achieve this goal, within the scope of the project, first, the students' environmental attitude levels will be determined. Then, appropriate activities will be carried out in collaboration with the students based on their levels. After the activities, an assessment will be made to determine whether the students' levels of sustainable environmental awareness have changed. When the targeted level is reached, the project will be concluded.

Subjects

Citizenship, Environmental Education, Primary School Subjects

Key competences

Citizenship, Personal, social and learning to learn

Aims

• Increasing Environmental Awareness

• Introducing the Concept of Sustainability

• Examining Environmental Issues

• Creating Social Responsibility Awareness

• Enhancing Environmental Education Practices

• Developing Students' Leadership Skills

• Strengthening Communication Skills

• Preparing for Future Social and Environmental Responsibilities

• Obtaining the opportunity to discover environmental intelligence at an early age.

• Enhancing creativity skills.

Work process

Firstly, we will send invitations to project partners through the eTwinning platform. After that, we will communicate with our partners through WhatsApp and other online meeting tools. We will hold regular meetings every week to exchange ideas and updates. Once our project is approved, by the end of October, project partners will identify their students, obtain parental consent forms, and plan the project. Our students will register on the eTwinning portal, and the entire process will be carried out together.

The project will involve 3rd and 4th-grade elementary school students (aged 9-11). The detailed plan of the project will be determined taking into consideration the input of partners and students. The environmental awareness levels of the participating students will be assessed, and 8 activities suitable for their levels will be planned. We will start implementing the activities in the first week of November. After 8 weeks, we will reevaluate the students' environmental attitude levels to determine whether the desired level has been reached in consultation with partners. If necessary, the number of activities can be increased. The project will conclude when the students' attitudes towards the environment reach the expected level appropriate for their age group.

Expected results

At the end of the project, students will have increased their sustainable environmental awareness, gained knowledge about nature conservation and recycling, developed self-expression and self-confidence skills, integrated their school and environment, increased their citizenship awareness, enhanced creativity skills, and learn to utilize technological tools. Furthermore, the project aims to ensure the longevity of the environmental consciousness acquired during the early years of education.

Additionally, an e-book containing the activities implemented during the project will be created and made available as a resource for other teachers and students. Through dissemination activities, sustainable environmental awareness will be promoted, contributing to the cultivation of a generation that respects nature and leaves a legacy for the future.