The Erasmus project "GIS FOR GIST OF EUROPE" and its impact on marine education

           From the classroom to the ocean, using GIS technologies is only one step. Our project has shown that climate change education can be engaging and relevant. Through GIS, we have opened a new stage in learning about our oceans. The European project "GIS FOR GIST OF EUROPE" is of KA220 type and runs from December 1, 2022 to May 31, 2025. Its main objective is to address the problem of climate change by integrating GIS into school curricula in the curricular area of science.  Climate change education and marine education are complex, innovative and interdisciplinary.

            The institutions involved in the project are from Romania CF "Unirea" Pașcani Technical College as coordinator, from Belgium, EUROGEO and Sint-Lodewijkscollege, from Latvia Riga Secondary School No. 25, from Spain Universidad de Zaragoza and Turkey Yenilikçi Eğitim Derneği.                                         The 'Erasmus+' project uses GIS technologies to create detailed ocean maps, analyse marine biodiversity, simulate the effects of sea level rise and monitor changes in marine ecosystems.

            The link between teaching activities and the Erasmus project is relevant through international collaboration and project results. Three major results stand out: a series of case studies on climate change, including related to hydrological hazards or the level of the Planetary Ocean, an e-learning module on climate change as a course and an open source "GIS FOR FUTURE" platform.         

            Given that all project partners have direct access to the seas and oceans, the impact of the Erasmus project on the aquatic environment has been major, along with a much greater conservation of marine waters. Through the lesson "Rising Ocean Levels" the students analyzed the impact of expanding and flooding shores, the impact of rising sea levels on agriculture, wetlands, population and human settlements.

             Through the study of surface water dynamics and ocean acidification, students gained solid scientific knowledge and developed critical thinking aimed at finding solutions to protect marine ecosystems

            We have created a wealth of interactive digital materials (GIS maps, questionnaires, presentations) that have allowed us to participate in numerous scientific events, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between teachers and students. Lesson models such as "The Golf Stream", "Balance between ecological reserve and deficit", "Sea level rise" can be used after the completion of the Erasmus project on the "GIS FOR FUTURE" course platform.   Through my optional geography course "Geography of the future. Climate Change and GIS Innovations", but also through the lesson plans created and case studies, we have contributed to improving the quality of marine science education.  From the classroom to the ocean, GIS can connect us with the future of our planet. Through this Erasmus project, we have equipped students with knowledge and tools to face the challenges of climate change. Together, we can create a future where our oceans are healthy and protected.