Blue Schools, outreach project

An educational project aiming to bring marine research and sea life closer to children living in the Terres de l’Ebre, the Blue Schools project began in 2016 thanks to grants from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology and the La Caixa Foundation and supervision from the Education Department of the Catalan government.

The project was especially focused on introducing concepts of marine science into schools in areas with limited access to science education events and activities as they are far away from large cities or important research centres. We also aimed to encourage all age groups of the local populations, from young children to the elderly, to get to know and appreciate more nearby coastal and marine ecosystems in the area – declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – as well as showing them how marine science affects our everyday lives.

We provided training courses in marine science for teachers, and we worked online and in schools alongside staff for several months in eight different high schools. We also provided them with a ‘Blue case’ full of materials to carry out practical activities both in class and outdoors on field trips. We gave information talks at public libraries in thirteen different towns. The project was very successful and we have a waiting list of other schools wanting to participate but the project is currently on hold due to a lack of funding. 

The teaching plans we prepared are available to consult on the website: https://www.escolesblaves.cat/