Active Learning

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Project Summary

The project aim is to reduce energy use in school buildings and homes by teaching children efficient use of energy, RES and transport through hands-on and experimental activities. The project advocates that children can be important resources in their own education rather than passive receivers of information. Expected results are increased knowledge and behaviour change as well as reduced energy use in participating school buildings and in the homes on involved actors (children and educators).

The project developed an educational package on active learning (AL) and energy monitoring (EM) for use in primary schools. The material was replicated from European best practice and adapted to national conditions. The pedagogical quality was secured through active involvement of educators in all phases of the project. The tools was then tested through implementation in minimum 10 Champion Schools in each of the 14 partner countries and adjusted according to experiences made. The results were finally assessed by an evaluation in the Champion Schools.

The project mapped relevant energy curricula and identify, tested and evaluated possible strategies for wide integration of AL and EM activities. The aim is to pave the way for integration of AL and EM with the national energy curricula to ensure self-supportive and long-term effects. Establishment of national and international networks among energy and school actors (Advisory Groups, Educational Network) will ensure lasting impacts. Close cooperation and coordination with Kids Corner/ManagEnergy and existing networks like FEE/Eco-Schools and SPARE will ensure widespread dissemination of the educational material and experiences made.

The project aims were selected based on the recommendations made in “The Reflection Document on a EU-wide Co-operation of Local Actors on Sustainable Energy Education”, which states that the following elements are needed for developing cost-effective activities:

Active involvement of students through experimental or hands-on approach;

Integration of energy in curricula to create room (time) for energy issues;

Combination of theoretical and experimental aspects;

Educational material produced or adapted in national languages. Training of teachers.

The novelty aspects of the project are:
Collection and comparison of existing teaching material. Adaptation to national framework;
Promotion of integration of AL in curricula. Overview of curriculum issues.
          Involvement of school authorities at high level;
Covers both rational use of energy, renewable energy source, and transport.
        Easy access to existing material (on Kids Corner etc.);
Not just increase in knowledge, also kWh savings in a high number of school buildings
         (minimum 10 per partner) measurable by energy monitoring;
Cooperation and coordination with several important and large networks/projects
        (FEEDU, SPARE, Eco-Schools, KidsCorner, etc.).

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