Life in a drop of water

"<< Background >>The project ""Life in a drop of water"" was initiated in response to the need to increase ecological awareness of water - its role in nature, qualities and importance for life in different climaticenvironments. The goal was to raise the competences of teachers from partner schools so that they could more effectively transfer knowledge about the protection of water resources to children, their families and local communities. The project responded to the need to shape proper, pro-ecological habits, especially in the area of saving water. It has been made by creating and implementing the educational project ""Life in a drop of water"" together with a package of educational tools, materials and inspiration for everyday educational work. Thanks to this, the project supported the development of conscious attitudes and actions for the protection of the natural environment.<< Objectives >>The aim of the project ""Life in a drop of water"" was to raise ecological awareness among the youngest children and develop their knowledge about the importance of water in human life and the need to protect it. The partners aimed to shape children's attitudes of responsibility for the environment through practical activities, experiments and observations of nature. It was also crucial to strengthen teachers' competences in the field of modern methods of ecological education, including the use of multimedia tools, teamwork and intercultural education. The project aimed to create durable and publicly available teaching materials supporting teaching about water in various natural and cultural contexts. Another important assumption was to strengthen cooperation between institutions from different countries and promote common educational values, equal opportunities and active involvement of local communities.<< Implementation >>As part of the “Life in a drop of water” project, a number of educational activities were carried out, including: learning about different water environments, creating an e-book in the form of a collage made by children, conducting weather observations and experiments with water. A stop-motion animation film “From seed to plant” was also created and children learned how to obtain rainwater. Additionally, a Catalog of Good Behaviour by the Water was developed, as well as a photo album with photos taken by children and their parents. The project also used picture quizzes and the multimedia game “Good habits” as educational tools.International mobilities and regular online meetings were organised to exchange experiences, monitor progress and evaluate activities. A diagnosis of children’s knowledge was carried out and the effectiveness of the materials was tested. Workshops, research classes and experiments were held in partner institutions, with the active participation of children and parents.The result of these activities was the development of the educational project “Life in a drop of Water”. The project was also accompanied by an information campaign, disseminating the results through social media, the website and local events<< Results >>The project ""Life in a drop of water"" has produced many concrete and sustainable results that go beyond its duration. The key result was the creation of a four-part educational program onwater called ""Life in a drop of water"", covering various aspects: the importance of water, experiments, the relationship between human and water, and art inspired by the aquatic environment. Numerous teaching materials were created:children's illustrated books, quizzes, an educational game, graphic signs for bathrooms, time-lapse films, and a photo album presenting the diversity of aquatic environments. The project also had a real impact on the participants: children expanded their knowledge about water, developed habits of saving it, and learned safe behaviors near water. Teachers acquired new competences in the field of modern teaching methods, and families became more aware and involved in pro-ecological activities. Educational institutions gained prestige, experience in international cooperation, and implemented the solutions developed in their daily practice. All materials are publicly available online and will be used in the future, ensuring the durability of the effects and their further dissemination."