This report presents an open schooling initiative on Sustainable Development through Environmental Projects, which was developed at the “I.C. Lăzărescu” Secondary School Țițești, Arges County, by prof. dr. Dorobantu-Dina Roxana and prof. Moțoi Florentina Reli between 01.09.2022 and 15.09.2023. The activities included a professional in the field of science, in the person of Assoc. Prof. dr. Sorin Mazilescu. It was supported by Valahia University in Targoviste, Romania. This work was previously presented HERE
Care: The students were involved and interested in a real-life problem: to what extent the environment contributes to the sustainable development of mankind through planting trees by students, either from saplings or seeds. The students who participated in the activities were of secondary level, aged 11-14 years.
Know: Students used knowledge about sustainable development, environment, food resources and environment. The competences that the students practiced were:
– Analyzing the impact of technology development on the environment and society
– Training the capacity for design, execution, evaluation, use and capitalization of products
– Evaluation of personal resources and formation of initiative and entrepreneurship spirit in career planning.
Do: In the end, students prepared posters and planted trees in the school garden, carried out the activities both in groups and individually, being supported by families and community members.
* Identifying the possibilities of capitalizing on food products of mineral, vegetable and animal origin
*Analysis of links between food production activities and specific trades/professions
– Description of the main resources needed to carry out family production and consumption activities
Findings related to the Open Schooling approach: The activity is part of the curriculum at the school’s decision. It was useful, relevant, challenging, innovative and contributed to the formation of the above-mentioned skills. Open schooling could be challenging for other teachers as it contributes to civic spirit and sustainable development.
Student results: Students were interested in this type of project, because it adds value to sustainable development and environmental protection. They proved pleasure in carrying out practical activities and formed social-moral skills in Open Schooling. The most relevant comment of a sixth grader was: “The world develops from seed and everything is possible through the evolution of science and God’s care.”