Planet Protectors: Integrating Environmental Education in Schools

Topic / Theme

Integrating environmental education and sustainability into school practice through experiential learning, interdisciplinary teaching and action-oriented projects. The course supports educators in developing green competences, promoting environmental responsibility and empowering learners to take action for a sustainable future.

Sending partners

Educational organisations involved in formal, non-formal and informal learning: kindergartens, schools, VET providers, adult education centres, training organisations, resource centres, NGOs and other institutions active in the education and adult learning field, established in Erasmus+ programme countries.

Participants

20–25 adults involved in education.

Course fee

According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: 80 EUR per participant per training day, including course preparation, training delivery, training materials, organisational and administrative costs, and 24-hour emergency support during the mobility.

Languages used

Working language: English.
Training materials are provided in English. Upon request, support or materials may be available in Spanish or French, depending on the group composition.

Profile of the participants

The course is designed for teachers, school staff and adult trainers working in the sending organisation who are interested in integrating environmental education and sustainability into their teaching practice.

Participants:

Work with learners of different ages, abilities or educational contexts
May have previous experience or be beginners in environmental or sustainability education
Are interested in promoting environmental awareness, responsibility and active citizenship
Are willing to participate in outdoor, experiential and collaborative learning activities
Are open to intercultural learning and exchange of practices
Are motivated to implement environmental projects and to engage in preparatory and follow-up activities
Aim to strengthen the European dimension of their institution through green and sustainable practices

Objectives

Increase understanding of environmental education and its relevance in schools
Connect sustainability topics with curriculum across different subjects
Use outdoor, non-formal and experiential learning methods
Develop students’ environmental awareness, critical thinking and responsible behaviour
Design interdisciplinary and project-based environmental learning activities
Support schools in implementing sustainable practices and green initiatives
Develop action plans for classroom or institutional implementation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Integrate environmental topics and SDGs into different curriculum areas
Design interdisciplinary eco-lessons and project-based learning activities
Use outdoor and experiential methods to support environmental learning
Apply creative approaches such as eco-art, gamification and role-play
Identify local environmental challenges and involve learners in solution-oriented projects
Develop and implement a school or classroom environmental action plan
Use reflection and evaluation tools to monitor learning and behavioural change
Plan follow-up, networking and dissemination activities to ensure sustainable impact at institutional and European level.

Day	Sample Sessions & Activities
Day 1 – Becoming Planet Protectors	– Welcome Circle and Icebreakers: “My Planet Story” collage – participants create a visual representation of their connection to nature. – Team-building Game: “Save the Island!” – collaborative outdoor game highlighting interdependence and cooperation. – Interactive Presentation: What is Environmental Education? Including timeline and discussion on evolution and current relevance. – Gallery Walk: Exploring the 17 SDGs and matching them with classroom practices. – Reflection Café: “How green is my school?” – rotating small group discussions. – Eco-Journal Setup: creating personal learning diaries from recycled materials.
Day 2 – Connecting Curriculum and Environment	– Curriculum Mapping Workshop: identifying where environmental topics fit within existing subjects. – Interdisciplinary Design Challenge: creating a one-hour eco-lesson combining two school subjects. – Case Study Carousel: exploring successful environmental education projects from European schools. – SDG Treasure Hunt: outdoor activity linking local surroundings to global goals. – Creative Corner: upcycling workshop – making teaching tools from waste materials. – Reflection Circle: “One small change I can make tomorrow.”
Day 3 – Outdoor and Non-Formal Learning Methods	– Nature Walk and Observation: exploring biodiversity through sketches or photos. – Citizen Science Demonstration: simple data collection (air or water testing) using classroom tools. – Eco-Drama Workshop: role-play environmental dilemmas to develop empathy and critical thinking. – Gamification Lab: designing environmental games or quizzes for classroom use. – Art in Nature: creating land art installations from natural materials, followed by group reflection. – Mindful Walk: silent reflection in nature for educator wellbeing.
Day 4 – From Local Challenges to Action Projects	– Field Investigation: visit to a local environmental site (recycling plant, urban garden, eco-farm, etc.). – Problem Tree Analysis: identifying causes and effects of local environmental challenges. – Design Thinking Sprint: teams create school-based environmental projects using innovation steps (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test). – Project Toolkit Workshop: developing goals, actions, stakeholder involvement, and evaluation methods. – Project Pitch Session: short presentations followed by peer feedback. – Green Postcards: writing a message to one’s future self about intended actions.
Day 5 – Sustaining the Change	– Morning Energizer: “Human Ecosystem” activity connecting ecological and social roles. – Action Planning Lab: each participant designs a school action plan with concrete objectives and indicators. – Networking Fair: exchanging ideas for European collaborations, eTwinning, or joint Erasmus+ projects. – Create and Inspire: groups record a short “Planet Protectors Manifesto” video message. – Closing Ceremony: certificate awards, gratitude circle, and creation of a shared photo collage.