TeachBlue: An innovative Marine and Ocean Literacy Toolkit for early childhood teachers in the frames of the 14SDG - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources

Program: Erasmus+

Field: School Education

Action Type: KA220-SCH - Cooperation partnerships in school education

Project Reference: 2023-1-PL01-KA220-SCH-000152792

Start Date - End Date: 31/12/2023 - 31/12/2025

Duration: 24 months

Our role: Partner

Image
Find out more about the project:

Topics

  • Creating new, innovative or joint curricula or courses
  • Key competences development
  • Initial and continuous training for teachers, trainers and other education staff

Background

TeachBlue is an innovative Erasmus+ project designed to foster marine and ocean literacy among the youngest learners. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, TeachBlue empowers educators with cutting-edge resources to inspire a new generation to conserve and sustainably use our oceans and marine resources.

Through a comprehensive toolkit - including a Teacher’s Handbook, Educational Activities Guide, a Board Game, and 360° underwater videos -TeachBlue equips early childhood teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make learning about the ocean engaging and impactful.

The project combines research, training, and innovation, ensuring that teachers and students across Europe gain meaningful insights into marine ecosystems while fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability. Together, we’re shaping a brighter, bluer future! 🌍✨

Project's goals

The “TeachBlue” project integrates marine and ocean literacy into early childhood education, addressing a significant gap in current curricula. It focuses on developing a comprehensive toolkit, including a Teacher’s Curriculum, Educational Activities Guide, Board Game, and 360⁰ underwater videos.
The project also creates a state-of-the-art report and provides a training course for early childhood teachers. By enhancing educators’ skills and promoting environmental awareness, TeachBlue fosters sustainable practices from a young age.
The long-term impact includes improved quality of early education and the development of environmentally conscious individuals. An eLearning platform ensures broad accessibility and sustainability of the project’s outcomes.

Empower Early Childhood Educators 📚

Equip teachers with cutting-edge tools and training to introduce young learners to the wonders of marine ecosystems and inspire a love for the ocean.

Promote Marine and Ocean Literacy 🌊📘
Create an interactive toolkit featuring a Teacher’s Handbook, Curriculum Guide, Board Game, and 360° underwater videos to make ocean education engaging and fun.

Raise Awareness and Inspire Action 🌍💡
Engage educators, policymakers, and communities in understanding the importance of ocean conservation and integrating marine literacy into education.

Results

The TeachBlue State-of-the-art Report on the current situation of Marine and Ocean Literacy on early childhood education

Description:

A guide that provides a systematic approach to addressing the educational needs of autistic students in mainstream classroom environments. It conducts an in-depth study of the current environment, identifying challenges and requirements that teachers must address. The handbook outlines key elements, methods, and techniques necessary for effectively supporting autistic students in regular classroom settings.

Coming soon

The TeachBlue Toolkit is at the heart of the project, designed to revolutionize early childhood education by integrating marine and ocean literacy into daily teaching practices. Through innovative tools and resources, it equips educators with practical, engaging, and impactful methods to introduce young learners to the wonders of the marine world and the importance of sustainability.

Key Components of the TeachBlue Toolkit:

The Toolkit includes four essential elements, each crafted to support early education teachers in fostering ocean literacy:

  1. Teacher’s Curriculum & Handbook
    • A comprehensive guide providing structured lesson plans, teaching strategies, and age-appropriate content.
    • Ensures teachers can confidently introduce marine and ocean topics into their classroom routines.
  2. Teacher’s Guide on Educational Activities
    • Features a diverse range of engaging classroom and outdoor activities.
    • Includes fieldwork suggestions to give children hands-on experience in exploring marine ecosystems.
    • Promotes experiential learning and critical thinking about marine conservation.
  3. TeachBlue Board Game
    • An interactive and educational game that makes learning about the ocean fun and accessible for children aged 4-8.
    • Designed to foster collaboration, curiosity, and problem-solving skills while introducing essential concepts about ocean ecosystems and conservation.
  4. 360° Underwater Videos
    • Immersive video experiences that transport students beneath the waves.
    • Encourages curiosity and empathy for marine life by showcasing the beauty and challenges of underwater ecosystems.
    • An excellent tool for inspiring awe and understanding in young learners, even without direct access to the sea.

Coming soon

TeachBlue Training Course for early childhood teachers and Pilots

The TeachBlue Training Course is a cornerstone of the project, empowering early childhood education (ECEC) teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to inspire a new generation of ocean-literate citizens. Designed with a practical, hands-on approach, this training equips teachers to effectively integrate marine and ocean literacy into their teaching practices while fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship in young learners.

Coming soon

Dive into the world of TeachBlue and explore how we're making waves in marine education! This section is dedicated to sharing our journey, outcomes, and resources with the world. Through dynamic communication, engaging events, and accessible materials, we aim to inspire educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to embrace marine literacy. Discover how TeachBlue fosters awareness and action, promoting sustainable use of our oceans and a brighter future for the next generation. 🌊

Partners

Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wroclawiu,
Poland
Image
Dracon Rules Design Studio,
Greece
Image
CMMI Cyprus Marine And Maritime Institute,
Cyprus
Image
STANDO LTD,
Cyprus
Image
Dimokritio Panepistimio Thrakis,
Greece
Image
Centro De Ciencias Do Mar Do Algarve,
Portugal
Image

BlogCristina Morar
At Dracon Rules Design Studio, we are proud to collaborate on the Erasmus+ project, I-GAME: Innovative Gaming Methodologies in Education. 

Blog
It won’t be a bigger problem to find one video game lover in your neighbor. Since the introduction of Virtual Game.

Blog
It won’t be a bigger problem to find one video game lover in your neighbor. Since the introduction of Virtual Game.
Image

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.