Good practices

Selected for piloting
The EnvKids
Working Group:Science through digital learningCountry:Czech Republic, France, Greece, Norway, SwedenLanguages:Czech, English, French, Greek, SwedishAge of students (target group/s):6-12Links, resources:http://ohmpro.org/envkids/
The project aims at students' understanding of the concept of environmental sustainability. It consists of educational activities that are designed as a series of simple steps that children can follow easily, of building critical thinking and developing understanding of the above mentioned concept. The aim is to raise awareness of environmental sustainability through on-line simulation and demonstrations with emphasis on three levels of environmental issues: (1) My home, (2) My town and (3) My planet. The online pilot educational applications were validated in classrooms. The pedagogic approach focused on natural resources management, production and conservation of energy, and contribution of everyday practices to prevent pollution. The three on-line pilot educational applications put into practice the EnvKids explorative and collaborative learning methodology. The online tool is supported by learning sheets and good practice videos for teachers to show the use of the online tools in the classroom.Strong points and opportunities:• EnvKids uses explorative pedagogy based on age-appropriate virtual and practical experimentation and graphical interfaces.
• The didactic approach combines in-class instruction, virtual demonstrations, site visits, and on-line collaboration.
• It uses age appropriate explorative and collaborative didactic methodologies for environmental, and more generally, science education at school.

In January 2012 the EnvKids tools, and specifically "my home" and "my town", were officially approved by the Greek Ministry of Education for formal use in all Greek primary schools targeting the 5th and 6th graders.Limitations:No particular weaknesses are recognized. The project has been evaluated repeatedly and has been very well accepted by teachers and students that use it, stating its effectiveness.Added value with regards to the 3 topics of the MASS project:EnvKids uses virtual experimentation and a game-based approach that takes advantage of children's natural curiosity to help build environmental awareness skills through on-line exploration, simulation, and collaboration, and through the use of age appropriate digital tools.Any prerequisites needed:The necessary infrastructure (PCs and Internet connection).