HAPPY PLANET

THE LESSON OF CIVICS IN POLAND

On September 23, in classes 8a and 8b, during a civics lesson, activities titled “Global Interdependencies” were held. At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher presented a slideshow showing the Global North and Global South, explaining the differences in their development as well as social, political, and environmental issues.

Next, students received sheets of paper with questions concerning ecology and global social problems. By scanning QR codes, they were able to learn about world poverty, the cost of chocolate and clothing production, and pollution caused by electronic waste.

The task’s solution involved creating their own QR code featuring the famous motto: “It’s the small things that ordinary people do that change the world.”

At the end of the lesson, students discussed ways to change the world to make it a better place.

 

Experimental Junior High School Of Rhodes University of the Aegean, Rhodes, Greece

Our school at the Pedagogical Meeting: "University and School" of the University of the Aegean

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, on the occasion of World Environmental Education Day, our school had the great pleasure of visiting the University of the Aegean and attending the Pedagogical Meeting entitled "University and School: Participatory Environmental Actions on the occasion of World Environmental Education Day."

The students had the opportunity to attend a series of interesting presentations on important contemporary issues, such as the Sustainable School, the "Zero Waste" approach, Experiential Learning, the phenomenon of Eco-Anxiety that affects more and more young people, as well as the pedagogical use of educational videos as a tool for raising awareness and reflection on environmental issues. The presentations were accompanied by impressive videos and visual material, which enhanced the discussion and aroused keen interest.

This was followed by the educational activity "World Café," an interactive process where students were divided into groups and discussed four different problems related to the environment and education. Every ten minutes, the groups changed tables, answered a new question, and added to the ideas of the previous ones. At the end, after going through all the topics, they presented what they had written on their cards, creating a colorful "wall of thoughts and suggestions."

The meeting ended with an alternative eco-friendly buffet offering natural and healthy options such as grapes, pomegranates, and homemade lemonade, a delicious experience in keeping with the spirit of the day. The students had an unforgettable and constructive day, exchanging ideas and experiences, reflecting on the future of the planet, and committing to continue with actions for a more sustainable school and a greener everyday life.

WASTE SORTING POLAND

As part of the educational program Academy of Waste Hunters, third-grade students participated in lessons devoted to waste sorting and caring for the environment. The aim of the classes was to make children aware of how important proper waste management is, as well as the everyday actions that help protect our planet.

During the lesson, the students learned the rules of waste sorting, discovered what the colors of recycling bins mean, and explored which materials can be recycled. Together, the children analyzed what happens to waste after it is thrown into the bin and learned how to reduce the amount of rubbish at home and at school—by reusing items, avoiding single-use plastic, and keeping their surroundings clean.

The activities were practical and engaging—the students solved ecological riddles and took part in a discussion about how each of us can contribute to a cleaner planet.

The culmination of the program was a cleanup action around the school grounds. Equipped with gloves and bags, the students set out to collect litter. This shared effort showed that even the youngest can have a real impact on the environment, and that a clean surrounding is the result of cooperation and responsibility.

Thanks to these lessons, the students not only gained knowledge about recycling and waste sorting but also learned pro-environmental attitudes that they can apply every day. It was another step toward creating a happy, green planet.

Mathematics & Sustainable Living (Grade 4), Poland

Topic: Measuring Children’s Clothes and Preparing a Second-Hand Listing on Vinted

During the lesson, students learned how everyday mathematical skills can support environmentally friendly habits. The class focused on measuring children’s trousers, choosing the correct size, and preparing a sales listing on Vinted. These tasks helped students understand how reusing clothes reduces waste and lowers the carbon footprint, which directly supports the goals of the HAPPY PLANET project.

Students practiced measuring trousers using a tape measure and used a size chart to match measurements with the appropriate child’s size. Afterwards, they created sample Vinted listings by taking photos, writing simple product descriptions including measurements, and adding an ecological message encouraging second-hand purchases.

The lesson highlighted the environmental benefits of reusing clothing: extending the life cycle of products, reducing the need for new textile production, and saving water, energy and raw materials. Students discovered that selling and buying second-hand items is an easy way to participate in the circular economy and take care of the planet in their everyday lives.

Through this practical activity, children connected mathematics with real-life ecological actions and learned that even small choices—like giving clothes a second life—help build a happier, cleaner planet.

LITERATURE LESSON IN 2ND GYMNASIO SYKEON IN GREECE

Our Erasmus+ team working under instructions of a Literature teacher: they learn about Haikus in order to use this literature genre to create vivid, encouraging, motivating and hopeful little Haiku poems about facts, shared actions, initiatives, habits, responsible behaviour towards climate and environment!

THE LESSON OF ENGLISH IN POLAND

Topic: Environmental Problems and Solutions.

Students look at the pictures and match them with their definitions to get to know vocabulary related to environmental problems.  Teacher introduces key words: air pollution, water pollution, littering, deforestation, endangered animals, global warming.  Students listen and repeat the words. The students match the problems with appropriate solutions. Reading – Environmental Problems & Solutions – short texts or descriptions Speaking Task – What Can We Do? Role play: how to make your school more eco-friendly.

Outdoor Lesson in Poland

Bird Observation

The school has been registered on the list of trips with the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP).

Guided walk “following bird tracks” - Students and the teacher move along a designated route around the school, stopping from time to time in order to: observe birds quietly (listen to their singing, spot different species), record observations on the observation card: bird name (if known), place of observation (tree, bush, ground), bird behaviour (singing, searching for food, flying). Completing the “Observation Card”: names of observed birds, short notes about their behaviour, a colourful drawing of one of the birds. Mini-quiz “Bird Tracker”: Which bird sang most often?; Where did you most often see birds?; Did any bird do something interesting? Reflection about birds and ecology.

THE LESSON OF HISTORY IN POLAND – ANCIENT ROME

Ancient Rome Day was organized by fifth-grade students, who for one day transformed their classroom into a lively Roman forum. They prepared creative costumes inspired by Ancient Rome, many of them made from recycled or reused materials, promoting eco-friendly attitudes. The space was decorated with students’ artwork presenting Roman culture and architecture, creating a unique historical atmosphere. During the lesson, students also discussed ecology in Ancient Rome, learning how Romans cared for the environment by reusing materials, managing water through aqueducts, public baths, and sewage systems, and respecting nature in everyday life. These reflections helped students understand how ancient practices can inspire modern ecological responsibility. The day concluded with a ‘Roman feast’. The event successfully combined history, creativity, fun, and environmental awareness, fully aligning with the goals of the HAPPY PLANET project.

The lesson of English – Endangered species

During the lesson, students are introduced to the topic of endangered species by looking at pictures and discussing animals that are in danger around the world. They learn and practise new vocabulary and then work with a text from the coursebook, listening and reading to understand why some animals are endangered and where they live. Next, students develop their writing skills by creating a short blog comment expressing their opinion about protecting animals. They also take part in a simple research activity, preparing a short note or mini project about one endangered species. The lesson ends with a short reflection on how people can help protect animals and with consolidation activities related to the unit.

The lesson of English - weird phenomena

During the lesson, the teacher displays pictures of weird phenomena such as raining with frogs and a moonbow and encourages students to discuss whether these events are strange or normal and if they like weird stories. New vocabulary related to weird phenomena is introduced, followed by listening to a text and completing True/False tasks to check understanding. Next, students read the text and work with it by matching halves of sentences and answering simple questions about what is strange and where it happens. The lesson then moves on to environmental protection vocabulary, where students fill in gaps with appropriate words and expressions. Students take part in a speaking activity in which they choose one weird phenomenon and add one eco-friendly action to create a short presentation. In the summary stage, students answer reflective questions about the strange phenomena.

The lesson of English Topic: Making suggestions – dialogues.

During the lesson, the teacher encourages students to think about ways of helping the environment by asking simple questions and collecting short answers. Students are then introduced to basic structures used for making suggestions and learn how to accept or reject them politely using model sentences. They listen to and read a dialogue from the coursebook, which helps them understand how suggestions are used in real conversations. After that, students practise the new language in controlled exercises, matching suggestions with responses and choosing appropriate reactions. In pair work, they create and perform short dialogues using environmental vocabulary, where one student makes a suggestion and the other accepts or rejects it. The lesson ends with a short oral revision, during which students give their own suggestions for protecting the environment.

The lesson of English; Topic: The Ozone Layer - reading comprehension, climate change presentation and pronunciation practice.

During the lesson, students are introduced to the topic of the ozone layer by looking at a picture of the Earth and discussing what protects it. They learn key vocabulary related to the ozone layer and climate change, practising pronunciation through choral repetition and short drills. Students listen to and read a text about the ozone layer, answering simple questions and True/False statements to check their understanding. They then work in pairs or small groups to prepare a short presentation about climate change, using prompts to describe the problem and suggest ways to help. The class focuses on pronunciation of important phrases such as protect the Earth, ozone layer, and climate change, including a fun rhythm or tongue-twister activity. The lesson concludes with a discussion and oral revision, where students recall the role of the ozone layer and how people can help protect the Earth.

The lesson of Nature Studies in Poland

The lesson begins with a short discussion about health and the importance of a clean environment, helping students understand the connection between human well-being and nature. During the main part of the lesson, students identify dangerous situations in the natural environment and reflect on how irresponsible human behaviour, such as littering or destroying plants, can increase risks for people and ecosystems. Working in groups, they analyse selected topics such as dangerous weather phenomena, venomous animals, poisonous plants and mushrooms, focusing on rules of safe behaviour. They learn how to behave safely in nature while also discussing ways to protect animals, plants and natural resources in line with the Happy Planet idea. The lesson concludes with a reflection on everyday actions that support environmental protection, encouraging students to take responsibility for keeping the Earth safe, healthy and friendly for all living beings.

 

The lesson of Biology

Topic: Breathing Mechanics – Why “Happy Planet” Needs Our Healthy Lungs.

The lesson began with a brief introduction linking healthy lungs to the Happy Planet project. Students then built a lung model using a bottle, balloons, and a straw to simulate inhalation and exhalation. They observed how pulling and releasing the “diaphragm” affected the “lung” inside, completed a worksheet comparing the model to real organs, and discussed how air pollution impacts lung function. The lesson ended with students suggesting ways to improve air quality and protect their lungs.

The lesson of English

Topic: On Thin Ice – vocabulary and reading comprehension.

The lesson began with a warm-up activity introducing the phrase “On Thin Ice.” Students discussed its meaning and brainstormed environmental problems affecting our planet. This led naturally to the presentation of key vocabulary, which students practiced through matching tasks and sentence creation. Next, students worked with the listening and reading text “On Thin Ice.” They first predicted the content, then read the text individually and completed comprehension tasks, such as matching headings and answering questions. The answers were checked together to ensure understanding. In the speaking stage, students worked in groups to discuss selected environmental problems, their causes, consequences, and possible solutions. Finally, students individually wrote a short paragraph about how they can help protect Mother Earth. The lesson ended with a short reflection and feedback, reinforcing new vocabulary and key environmental concepts.

 

The lesson of English

Topic: El Grando – reading, vocabulary, speaking.

The lesson began with a short warm-up discussion about talent shows. This smoothly introduced the topic of El Grando. Next, key vocabulary related to shows and performances was presented and practiced through matching tasks and sentence creation in pairs. In the speaking stage, students worked in small groups discussing whether they would like to participate in a talent show, what talent they would present, and what qualities a good judge should have. After that, students completed a listening task about El Grando Show, answering questions or completing sentences while listening. This was followed by a short writing activity in which students wrote a brief review of the show. The lesson ended with a short revision of new vocabulary and phrasal verbs, along with teacher feedback.