Plan of the Me and the Sea eTwinning Project

October 

eTwinning Project: Teacher Planning Meeting

Description:

The initial meeting of the teachers involved in the eTwinning project will serve as an opportunity to introduce one another, discuss project objectives, and collaboratively plan upcoming activities. This virtual meeting will help establish clear communication, define roles and responsibilities, and align the group on key goals. It's also a space to foster a collaborative spirit among the international team.

November

Activity 1

Getting to Know Each Other through Avatars and Presentations/Videos - Introduction and Project Kick-Off

Description: Students will use the Pixton app to create avatars that represent themselves. Along with their avatars, they will create short videos or presentations introducing themselves, their countries, cities and their connection to the sea (such as coastal regions or seas nearby). This activity will help students get to know one another in a creative, engaging way.

Tools: Pixton (for avatar creation). Video or presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Canva)

Goal: Build international connections and foster a sense of community by introducing each student's personal background and geographical ties to water bodies.

Activity 2

Exploring Personal Connection through Painting and Online Exhibition

Description:

Students will reflect on their personal connection to the sea or local water bodies by creating a painting that expresses their experiences, memories, or feelings about the water. Once the paintings are completed, they will be shared on a common eTwinning platform where students can view and comment on each other’s work. Additionally, an online exhibition gallery will be created to showcase the paintings, allowing students to take pride in their creations and share them with a wider audience, such as family, friends, and the school community.

Collaboration: Students will upload their paintings to the shared eTwinning space, comment on one another's artwork, and work together to create an online gallery showcasing all the pieces.

Outcome:

• Develop emotional awareness and appreciation of different maritime environments through artistic expression.

• Foster a sense of community through shared visual stories and meaningful feedback.

• Create a collaborative online exhibition gallery to celebrate and display the artworks, promoting pride and ownership in their creations.

December 

Activity 3 Seas of Europe eTwinning Corner Boards

Description: Students will collaborate to create informative eTwinning corner boards that showcase various aspects of the seas of Europe. Each group will focus on a different sea (e.g., Mediterranean, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea) and prepare visual displays that include key facts, marine life, environmental issues, cultural significance, and local activities related to their assigned sea. These corner boards will be displayed prominently in the school to educate the entire school community about the importance of these marine environments and promote awareness of their conservation.

Tools: Materials for creating corner boards (poster boards, markers, printed images, etc.).

Goal: Foster collaboration among students from different countries by working together on a shared project. Enhance students' research and presentation skills by compiling information about the seas of Europe. Raise awareness within the school community about the significance of Europe’s seas and the need for their protection.

Outcome:  A series of eTwinning corner boards displayed in the school, featuring vibrant visuals and informative content about different European seas. Increased engagement and understanding among students and staff regarding marine environments, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the school community.

Activity 4

Learning English - Idioms and Proverbs about the Sea

Description: In this language-focused activity, students will explore and learn common English idioms and proverbs related to the sea (e.g., "a drop in the ocean," "smooth sailing," "all at sea"). Students will research the meaning and usage of these expressions, then work in groups to create visual representations (such as illustrations, comics, or short videos) that explain the idioms in a fun and engaging way. They will share their creations with classmates from other countries, discussing how similar expressions may exist in their own languages. This collaborative exchange encourages language learning and cultural comparison.

Tools:

• Online research resources (dictionaries, websites on idioms).

• Digital tools for creating visuals or videos (Canva, Pixton, or any comic/video-making app).

• Access to eTwinning or another shared platform for sharing and commenting on each group’s work.

Goals:

• Enhance students’ understanding of English idioms and proverbs related to the sea.

• Foster creativity by using visual or multimedia tools to explain language concepts.

• Encourage cross-cultural exchange by comparing sea-related idioms in different languages.

• Improve English language skills through collaborative discussions and presentations.

Example Idioms and Proverbs:

• "A drop in the ocean" – Something insignificant compared to the whole.

• "All at sea" – Confused or uncertain.

• "Smooth sailing" – Something that progresses easily without problems.

• "Make waves" – To cause trouble or be disruptive.

January

Activity 5: Sea animals lesson/trip

At school or in some places connected with marine world like Aquarium or Marine Life Parks, Marine Research Centers, Museums.

Descripion: Students will observe a wide range of marine species (fish, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates) and understand the concept of biodiversity, including the roles these animals play in their ecosystems. Through exhibits and educational programs, students will learn about the impact of human activities on marine life (e.g., pollution, overfishing, climate change) and the importance of conservation efforts. Students will reflect on their experiences and create personal connections to marine animals, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward marine environments.

Activity 6: Creating Sea Animals with Plasticine

Description: Following the lesson/trip  students will create their own representations of sea animals using plasticine. This hands-on activity reinforces their learning through creativity. The plasticine sea animals craft activity not only nurtures artistic skills and creativity but also fosters a deeper understanding of marine life and ecosystems. It combines learning with hands-on experience, making it a valuable addition to any educational curriculum focused on marine science

Outcome: Through the crafting process, students will reinforce their knowledge of various sea animals, their characteristics, and their habitats, enhancing their understanding of marine biodiversity.

February

Activity 7: Creating logo for "Me and the Sea" Project by students

Description: Students design a logo that represents the theme "Me and the Sea," incorporating elements of marine life and conservation.

Goal: Foster creativity and understanding of the project's theme. Using Tools like Canva.

Outcome: Use Mentimeter to vote on the best logo and select a final design for all project materials and communications.

Activity 8: Sea Poetry Writing

• Description: Students write poems inspired by the sea, its beauty, or its challenges.

• Goal: Encourage creative expression.

• Outcome: Publish a joint digital poetry book.

March

Activity 9

 Local Beach Clean-Up Challenge, Marine Pollution and Conservation

• Description: If possible, schools organize local clean-up days and share photos or videos of their efforts.

• Goal: Promote environmental action.

• Collaboration: Schools compare results and discuss the different types of waste found.

Activity 10 

Online meeting and Personal Reflections Zoom Meeting for Students and Teachers

Encourage students to share their personal connections to the sea, including any memorable experiences or activities they enjoy related to water, such as swimming, fishing, or visiting the beach. Creating short videos from every school to present them during online meeting. Students talk about what they liked in the project, which activity they enjoyed and general opinion on the sea – how do theyu feel about it. 

(videos can be better choice in case of bad internet connection during the meeting and better organisation of this event)

April 

Activity 11

European Seas Virtual Map Collaboration

Description: In this collaborative activity, students from different countries will work together to create an interactive digital map of the seas of Europe. Each group of students will research and contribute information about the sea closest to their country. They will add facts such as marine life, environmental issues, economic activities (fishing, tourism, etc.), and cultural significance. The goal is to build a shared resource that highlights the diversity of Europe's seas and fosters collaboration across borders.

Once the information is compiled, students will present their sections to one another in virtual meetings, explaining the importance of their local sea and how it connects with the wider European maritime landscape.

Tools: Digital mapping tool e.g. ThingLink, Presentation software

Goals: Encourage cross-country collaboration and cultural exchange by learning about the seas of Europe. Develop research and digital skills by contributing to a shared interactive map. Raise awareness of environmental, economic, and cultural connections between different European seas. Foster teamwork and communication through virtual presentations and discussions.

Example of Collaboration:

• Group 1: Research the Mediterranean Sea 

• Group 2: Research the Baltic Sea 

• Group 3: Research the North Sea 

• Group 4: Research the Black Sea

 May

Project Wrap-Up and Celebration

Activity 12

Beach in a Jar

Description: Students will create their own "Beach in a Jar" by collecting small objects or materials that represent their local sea or coastal environment. This can include natural elements like sand, shells, and stones, or symbolic items that reflect their connection to the sea. If students don't live near the coast, they can use creative substitutes to represent their personal vision of the sea. Once completed, they will share photos of their jars and write brief descriptions explaining the meaning behind their chosen items in a shared online space.

Tools: Clear jar or container. Natural materials (sand, shells, stones) or creative substitutes (fabric, images, small objects.

Goals: Encourage students to creatively express their connection to the sea or local water bodies. Promote exploration of local environments and personal reflection. Foster collaboration and understanding of diverse maritime environments through an online exhibition.

May or June 

End-of-Project Meeting for teachers: Summary and Reflection 

Description: The final meeting for teachers involved in the eTwinning project will focus on summarizing the project outcomes, sharing experiences, and reflecting on the collaborative journey. Teachers will discuss the successes and challenges faced throughout the project, evaluate student engagement and learning, and celebrate the creative contributions of their students. Each teacher will share highlights from their classrooms, including insights gained from the activities and the impact on students' understanding of marine environments. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discuss potential future collaborations and how to build on the project's success in upcoming initiatives.