Project of the University of Coimbra boosts Portuguese children’s connection with the ocean
For two years, the project travelled through schools across the country and reached more than 500 students through a series of awareness-raising activities.
English version: Diana Taborda
The Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE) of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra (FCTUC) took the project "bLueTIDE - Ocean Literacy towards an Integrated and Dynamic Education" to Portuguese elementary schools, a science education and communication project, aimed at increasing the knowledge about intertidal rocky shores and raising awareness of the importance of promoting and respecting their preservation.
For two years, the project travelled throughout schools from North to South of Portugal reaching over 500 students through a variety of awareness-raising activities aimed at strengthening children's connection with the ocean and motivating them to better understand and preserve the rocky intertidal zone.
"We realised that students from coastal and/or Blue schools showed, in general, better previous knowledge about the ocean and, specifically, about the rocky intertidal zone, as well as a greater awareness of its importance for human beings, regardless of their place of residence. However, the enthusiasm about learning and carrying out the proposed activities was identical in all schools", says Zara Teixeira, researcher at MARE.
The activities, carried out in 12 schools, also aimed to promote interaction between schools and marine science researchers, fostering students' creativity, initiative and communication skills, as well as boosting teaching practices based on marine sciences.
Zara Teixeira adds that, overall, the bLueTIDE project "allowed us to see that both teachers and students really appreciate the interaction with researchers, and that providing scientific information in an accessible language and in different formats from the ones normally used in the classroom is an added value for everyone. Students become more motivated and interested and teachers feel more confident in dealing with different topics that are relevant for the future of their students. In addition, researchers get recognition for their work and their useful role in society".
In this final stage of the project, which ends in August, the research team is preparing the launch of an activity guide for teachers interested in addressing this topic, primarily aimed at elementary school students, as well as a book with trivia about the rocky intertidal zone and tips for a fun and safe visit.
The team hopes that this project “will enable children and teachers to become active agents in the preservation of these natural systems. By knowing their species and dynamics, and understanding their importance and how humans are both affected by and affect this habitat, we are ensuring that students are able to make informed decisions towards marine conservation”.
The bLueTIDE project had a 25 thousand euro funding from EEAGRants, and was led by the Business Incubator of Figueira da Foz, with the scientific coordination of MARE researchers, and the participation of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria and the University of Évora.
