Supporting Informal Learning on Climate Change and Sustainability ThroughEuropean Programmes: The Case of the RDE of Crete

The Regional Directorate of Education (RDE) of Crete actively promotes informal
learning to enhance scientific knowledge on climate change and sustainability
through the implementation of European programmes. These initiatives place
significant emphasis on school visits and activities within research and scientific
institutions, offering students interactive and experiential opportunities to deepen
their understanding of environmental issues. Through these activities, students
develop critical thinking, environmental awareness, and collaboration skills while
fostering competencies essential for sustainable development.
Research organisations play an important role as educational hubs, connecting
theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Programmes like the innovative
Horizon 2020 CONNECT project and the Erasmus+ academy CLIMADEMY,
implemented by the RDE of Crete, exemplify this approach. These programmes
facilitate informal learning experiences, including visits to research centres, scientific
laboratories, museums, and natural environments, enabling students to learn
through hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises.
For example, schools in Crete have visited the Natural History Museum of Crete and
the atmospheric measurement station in Filokalia, Lassithi, where students engaged
in educational programmes focused on practical applications of science. Additionally,
schools across the region have implemented science-based scenarios, deepening
their understanding on critical issues such as the climate crisis, renewable energy,
and carbon footprint reduction.
These educational approaches not only bring science to life by allowing students to
work with experts but also foster autonomy, personal initiative, and creativity. By
promoting experiential learning, these programmes equip students with the skills
needed to address contemporary environmental and social challenges effectively.