Connecting classrooms through eTwinning: project highlights

These projects show how pupils and teachers from different countries can work together to achieve common educational goals, supporting academic and personal growth.

Among the stars

The ‘Among the stars’ project introduced pupils aged 3–6 years to the wonders of space through Paxi, the official mascot of the European Space Agency’s ESA Kids. Through the project, the children made new friends, communicated with each other, worked together, created content such as puzzles, online games, crafts and coding activities and exchanged ideas.

Each month, the Italian and Greek teachers prepared activities together about a different planet in the solar system. These activities included online games, teaching cards, simple science experiments, songs and videos, coding tasks and robotics. Pupils worked on these activities with their peers by completing different challenges and games. The project concluded with a video conference where children from each school built a piece of the solar system together. Finally, they celebrated their teamwork with a dance to ‘The Song of the Solar System’.

While the project itself did not involve direct collaboration between early childhood education and care (ECEC) pupils, it serves as a good example for ECEC teachers. It shows the potential of eTwinning and the benefit of collaborating with external stakeholders such as the ESA.

Link to the project

https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects/130385

Age level

Up to 6

Subject/s 

Art, Astronomy, Citizenship, Informatics/ICT, Pre-School Subjects, Technology

Countries involved

Greece, Italy

Language of the project

English

To read or not to read?

‘To read or not to read?’ was the question posed to pupils from two classes, one in Italy and one in Greece. The project engaged the pupils in reading while incorporating game elements such as escape rooms and online quizzes. Using the ‘Six Thinking Hats’ technique, pupils were divided into mixed groups to look at the same book from different perspectives. This method allowed them to explore the content critically and creatively, considering emotional responses, facts, potential benefits and alternative solutions. Pupils also created a joint story alongside the reading activities, featuring two characters: Alice from Turin, a football player and avid reader, and Thomas from Thessaloniki, a video game enthusiast who is not accustomed to reading.

Throughout the school year, the children developed and illustrated another story that linked to the project themes: the persecution of European Jews by the Nazis, water scarcity, the importance of physical and psychological health and global hunger. The story concluded with a happy ending and was turned into an e-book.

This project shows how pupils can work together towards a common goal. Its teacher mediation level is tailored to pupils' ages and abilities, promoting collaboration.

Link to the project

https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects/135140

Age level

7–11

Subject/s 

Art, Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Informatics/ICT, Language & Literature

Countries involved

Greece, Italy

Language of the project

English

eTwinners behind the scenes

The ‘eTwinners behind the scenes’ project honoured Renata Fonte – a dedicated mother, teacher and advocate for women’s rights and environmental justice. Pupils from various schools across Europe were selected to participate and examine Renata’s life story, her impact on her community and her advocacy journey. This initiative encouraged pupils to explore themes of activism, education and environmental conservation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030.

Pupils began by immersing themselves in Renata’s story through multimedia presentations and discussions. They conducted research to better understand her life and the challenges she faced, which was then supported by different activities. For example, pupils worked in three European teams, each focusing on a specific task: team 1 wrote the script, team 2 created the illustrations and post-reading activities, and team 3 compiled a collaborative e-book, for which they recorded a dramatised version of the script.

The project used digital tools and innovative pedagogical methods (including interdisciplinary learning and theatre techniques) to enhance students' language, communication, critical thinking and cultural awareness skills. Online meetings encouraged collaboration among pupils.

Link to the project

https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects/129268

Age level

12–15

Subject/s 

Cross Curricular, Drama, Foreign Languages, History, History of Culture

Countries involved

Greece, Italy, Spain

Language of the project

English

EUth 4 Democr@cy

The ‘EUth 4 Democr@cy’ project aimed to help pupils discuss peace and democracy and better understand and appreciate these values. Activities focused on European values and fostering a European identity.

Pupils from two EPAS schools (European Parliament Ambassador School Programme) explored the EU's fundamental values: respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law.  The project encouraged pupils to explore the different Member States and their national identities, appreciate Europe's cultural diversity, and understand how different cultures contribute to and strengthen a sense of European identity.

Partner schools in the project took part in different activities, discussing topics such as European and national identity, citizenship, EU policies and the impact of demographic diversity on citizenship. Pupils participated in video conferences and debates on Europe Day (9 May) to understand the values of a European democratic culture. They also organised mock elections and created a model European Parliament.

The project is a great example of how to help pupils to better understand democracy and European values. Collaborative activities in international teams and the use of ICT tools broadened pupils’ horizons regarding European identity and citizenship.

Link to the project

https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects/132732

Age level

16–19

Subject/s 

Citizenship, European Studies, Informatics/ICT

Countries involved

Romania, Slovakia

Language of the project

English

Sun Water Wind of Renewable Energy

The S2WRE project aligned with the EU's priority on fighting climate change. It educated 36 French, Polish and Turkish vocational electrical work students about the importance of sustainable development. The project focused on building eco-responsibility and skills in renewable energy installations, preparing students to become environmentally conscious electricians.

The project included practical activities related to climate change mitigation. Students worked on underground electricity networks, engaged in tasks on high voltage (HV)/low voltage (LV) distribution stations (including creating LV cable heads) and installing photovoltaic panels. They also met with electricians at hydroelectric dams, photovoltaic and wind farms and leading sustainable development companies.

Students participated in a variety of collaborative activities. They designed a project logo and built miniature wind turbines, reported on renewable energy electrical equipment through web radio and created a photovoltaic educational system. They also developed a Dobble-type card game on renewable energy, produced a magazine on Erasmus+ mobility and wrote a book on the S2WRE project.

Link to the project

https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects/133461

Age level

IVET

Subject/s 

Environmental Education, Electricity and Electronics

Countries involved

France, Poland, Türkiye

Language of the project

English