Climate Community_WM

Creator: CluBE|Art form: Audiovisual, Performing arts, Visual arts|Knowledge valorisation : Co-creation|Place: Kozani,Greece|Location : Offline|Target group: General public, Students / youngsters|Domains: Climate Action and Environment|Duration : Participatory Process

Educating schoolchildren about the bioeconomy using art & science

Challenge: How to engage schoolchildren to take part in the sustainable transition.

Schoolchildren engagement aiming to educate them about the bioeconomy and encourage them to actively participate in the transition. This action was created with the philosophy of disseminating knowledge and expertise through the implementation of research projects to civil society.

In the era of the climate crisis and the just transition, a key objective is to raise awareness and encourage the active participation of citizens of all ages in the region of Western Macedonia. This is being implemented in the region trough creative tools, school visits, creative festivals and art-based activities.

Resources needed

– Natural & Sustainable Materials for the bio-based activities:
– Plant-based dyes and inks: Derived from sustainable crops or natural sources, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
– Recycled paper, cardboard, and fabrics: For art projects that focus on reusing materials and highlighting circular economy practices.
– Bio-plastics: Environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics for sculptural projects or eco-design challenges.
– Bamboo, cork, hemp, and other sustainable materials: For eco-friendly craft projects like sculptures, installations, or model-making.
– Natural clay and biodegradable materials: To encourage sustainable, waste-free art practices. Art & Science Educators:
– Experts with a background in both art and environmental science to lead workshops and develop interdisciplinary learning modules.
– Local artists, environmentalists, and bioeconomy professionals who can serve as mentors, guest speakers, or workshop facilitators.

Purpose of artistic intervention

The artistic approach translates complex and abstract concepts such as the bioeconomy and sustainability into visually engaging and interactive experiences. Through artistic activities like storytelling, eco-art projects, and simulations, children can grasp these ideas more easily, breaking down the barriers of traditional scientific education. This accessibility encourages broader participation among young students, regardless of their academic background.

Positive impacts

The artistic approach fosters an emotional connection to sustainability challenges. By involving children in creative activities that use bio-based materials, such as creating eco-friendly artworks or designing nature-inspired installations, they develop a sense of care and responsibility for the environment. This emotional engagement makes the idea of sustainable transition more personally relevant, increasing the likelihood of long-term behavioural change.

Added Value: By incorporating bio-based materials into artistic activities, students gain hands-on experience with sustainable resources, learning about their properties and potential in creative ways. This interaction deepens their understanding of the bioeconomy, highlighting the practical and innovative uses of renewable resources in everyday life. It also encourages a shift towards eco-conscious consumption in their future choices.

Replication

The core concept—engaging schoolchildren in the sustainable transition using a combination of arts, bio-based materials, and cutting-edge technology—offers a flexible framework that can be replicated and adapted in various regions and educational settings. Each region faces unique environmental challenges. In Western Macedonia, the focus may be on the Green Transition, whereas other regions might emphasize deforestation, water scarcity, or urban pollution. Replicating this seed would involve adapting the curriculum to address the most pressing local environmental issues.