Birds Flying High: Enhancing primary school teachers' capacity in combining STEAM and non-formal teaching methods

"<< Background >>The Birds Flying High project was an educational initiative that evolved from a collaborative effort between Almyras, BirdLife Cyprus, and primary school teachers. Initially launched in Cyprus, the program was designed to raise awareness among primary school students about local bird species, integrating STEAM & non-formal educational methods. Despite challenges like funding shortages and pandemic restrictions, it successfully engaged the local community, schools, and NGOs. Following its success, the project expanded to Greece collaborating with Hellenic Ornithological Society, leveraging the similar climate and educational context. The program addressed the need for innovative, year-long educational activities that blend environmental education with cultural and scientific elements, thus enhancing teachers' competencies and engaging students more effectively. Through transnational training opportunities and practical applications, teachers could implement new lesson plans that have a lasting impact on students' learning. The project not only fostered collaboration across different fields and countries but also scales up educational activities, offering valuable resources to improve both formal & non-formal education systems.<< Objectives >>Birds Flying High aimed to enhance environmental education for primary school teachers and their students, focusing on birdlife and its connection to science, arts, and the environment. The objectives were:1.To enhance the capacity of 10 primary school teachers in STEAM by introducing them to the ""Birds Flying High"" educational program. This included providing hands-on training and practical experience, enabling teachers to effectively integrate the program's content and activities into their teaching.2.To strengthen the competences and knowledge of 10 primary school teachers in non-formal education methods related to science, arts, and the environment. Through a series of non-formal educational workshops, practical applications, and training sessions, the project build teachers' confidence in using innovative, out-of-the-box teaching methods, while deepening their understanding of birds, environmental issues, and their cultural significance.3.To provide both direct and indirect target groups, including universities, relevant ministries, environmental educators, and others, with ready-to-use educational materials and methods in OER form. These resources were made available on the partners’ websites and social media accounts.<< Implementation >>The main activities implemented in the project was:- A transnational training activity in Cyprus with primary school teachers from Greece and Cyprus joining. The teachers had the opportunity to be introduced to the educational program ‘Birds Flying High’ and have hands-on experience in the respective training.- The implementation of the ‘Birds Flying High’ program in primary schools in Cyprus and Greece. The program was incorporated in the educational activities of the trained teachers for a whole school year. Through the educational program students from both countries had the opportunity to meet and interact via online activities and postal activities. - Two ‘Birds Flying High’ exhibitions, one in Greece and one in Cyprus, where partners invited relevant stakeholders with the aim to present the work done in the primary schools participated in the corresponding yearly educational program in both countries. All the incredible work done by the students was exhibited, along with other project results and interactive activities on the topic of birds, such as bird watching, bird ringing, cyanography etc.<< Results >>- 10 primary school teachers were trained on the ‘Birds Flying High’ educational program and implemented their newly acquired knowledge in their schools for a school year. - Creation of a shared online folder on Google Drive with the educational material of the ‘Birds Flying High’ educational program accessible to stakeholders.- Development of open source on Padlet where teachers have free access to lesson plans and material related to the educational program as well as are free to upload new lesson plan ideas.- New educational material was developed by the involved teachers enhancing the material of the educational program.- Implementation of 2 national exhibitions presenting the project results, reaching out to 280 people.- 474 students, 712 family members of students, 8 schools, 43 teachers, 4 communities, and 295 other stakeholders interacted with the educational program and the project as such, reaching out to a total of 1536 individuals.- Production of three educational videos on how to start birdwatching, how to make a bird-friendly garden and how to make a nest box. All videos are available online and accessible to everyone.- The project was vastly promoted via social media, mass media, articles and actions."