Scrappies - Enhancing Creativity and Sustainable Attitudes of Children through Play and Recycled Materials

<< Background >>We applied for the Scrappies project to respond to the urgent need for more accessible, creative, and sustainability-oriented education methods in schools. Traditional teaching approaches often lack space for creativity, environmental responsibility, and practical skills development. We identified that both teachers and students needed playful, low-cost, and engaging tools to integrate sustainability into everyday learning. Additionally, there was a strong need for practical support for educators facing limited resources, and for strengthening collaboration between teachers, researchers, and creative education innovators across Europe.<< Objectives >>The main objective was to equip teachers with innovative, ready-to-use educational tools promoting sustainability, creativity, and active learning. We aimed to increase the quality and accessibility of education for sustainable development through practical Toolkit with SNAP lessons, a comprehensive teacher Handbook. We also wanted to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and stakeholders, promote environmental awareness among young learners, and create a replicable model for integrating sustainability education into formal and non-formal learning environments.<< Implementation >>We developed a full set of educational materials: a practical Toolkit with SNAP creative lesson plans and tools for disseminantion, a teacher Handbook, and a Training Guide. We conducted six international webinars, national workshops and piloting sessions, teacher trainings in all partner countries, and organized multiplier events and two major conferences. We established Local Stakeholder Groups in Poland, Finland, and Hungary, ensuring constant feedback. We maintained a project website, published resources under open access, conducted an impact survey, and promoted the project widely through 90+ dissemination activities, reaching educators and policymakers across Europe and beyond. << Results >>We produced a practical Toolkit with 30 Snap open-lesson plans, the Scrappies Handbook— all open-access. Over 5,000 educators and stakeholders were reached via events and dissemination. 6 webinars engaged 180+ participants live and 400+ viewers online. The project achieved systemic visibility: Scrappies was integrated into local educational initiatives, gained recognition from municipal authorities, and inspired follow-up projects like the upcoming Planet Savers initiative. The materials are being embedded in teacher training offers, and printed versions will be distributed with recommendations from education authorities like the Pomeranian Education Superintendent.