HAPPY PLANET

Bird Parents – A Miracle of Nature

Step into the fascinating world of nature and discover the extraordinary story of two great tit parents caring for their young inside a nesting box. This unique video gives students a close-up look at the everyday life of wild birds — from the devoted care of both parents to the incredible moment when a tiny chick hatches. Watching this natural process allows students to experience the wonders of the living world and see how important care, cooperation and protection are in nature. What may seem like a small moment is, in fact, a true miracle of life. As part of the HAPPY PLANET project, this video encourages children to explore, appreciate and protect the natural environment. Seeing birds living and raising their young in real time can inspire curiosity, empathy and a deeper understanding of biodiversity.

Nature is all around us — sometimes, we just need to stop and watch.

Life in the Nest Box – A Live Lesson from Nature

What happens inside a nest box? This video follows the incredible journey of great tit chicks from the very first moments of their lives to their first flight into the world. Students were able to observe this amazing process live on YouTube: from the hatching of tiny chicks, through their daily feeding and rapid growth, to the moment when they became independent and finally left the nest box. Watching the birds day after day turned the project into a real “live lesson from nature”. Instead of learning about the life cycle of birds only from books or pictures, students could see it happening in real time – observing the parents caring for their young, feeding them and preparing them for life outside the nest. The experience helped students understand the life cycle of birds, parental care, biodiversity and the importance of protecting natural habitats. It also showed them that fascinating lessons can happen anywhere – even in a small nest box in our own surroundings.

A tiny nest. A whole world of life. A real lesson from nature.

BIODIVERSITY MAP

The students of 1st grade created a biodiversity map during their nature lessons. The children worked with pre-prepared maps, on which they glued pictures representing elements of nature characteristic of specific areas.

The maps included, among others:
• coniferous and deciduous trees,
• various species of animals living in the forest, meadow, water, and near humans,
• plants typical of specific environments.

While working on the project, the students learned about the diversity of organisms living in their surroundings and discovered that every part of nature is important and interconnected. The activity combined education and art, helping children develop observation skills, teamwork, and creativity.

The finished maps were presented in class and discussed together with the teacher.

TREE FESTIVAL in kindergarten

 

Tree Day Celebration –10^TH October in Poland

Students from grades 1–3 celebrated Tree Day, the main goal of which was to remind everyone how important trees are in our lives. During the activities, the children learned why we should care for nature and how we can protect the trees around us.

At the beginning, the students solved riddles about places where trees grow—they correctly guessed that these are the forest, the park, and the orchard. Next, they watched educational videos about how a tree grows and learned the structure of a tree—the teacher discussed parts such as the trunk, the crown, and the roots. The children also learned the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees.

During the discussion, the students reflected on why trees are so important. They now know that trees produce oxygen, clean the air, provide shelter for animals, offer shade, retain water in the soil, and make the world more beautiful with their colors.

There was also an artistic component:

● Grade 1 colored prepared drawings of trees.
● Grades 2 and 3 created posters of different tree species as well as posters under the theme “Why Are Trees Important?” The children colored, cut out, and glued leaves and fruits, and wrote short facts about the role of trees on cloud-shaped labels. The completed works were displayed in the school hallway.

To conclude, the students thought about what they can do to protect trees. Their ideas included planting new trees, taking care of those already growing, and explaining to others why trees are essential.

To conclude the celebration, the students planted a tree together on the school grounds. This shared activity not only helped beautify the school environment but also served as an important educational experience, fostering a sense of community and responsibility for the world around them.

 

Tree Day was filled with interesting facts, creative activities, and inspiring conversations. Thanks to such initiatives, students learn that caring for trees and nature is an important step toward a happier planet.

OBSERVATION OF FAUNA AND FLORA IN POLAND

Students from classes 2a and 3a took part in outdoor lessons under the theme “Observation of Local Fauna and Flora.” During a field trip around the nearby area, the children carefully observed the surrounding nature and recorded their findings on specially prepared worksheets. During the activity, the students also learned the meaning of the term biodiversity and discovered why it is so important for the natural environment. At the end, each group of students created their own “biodiversity map,” which summarized the knowledge they had gained and the observations they had collected. Thanks to these lessons, the children were able not only to develop their skills in attentive nature observation but also to form an attitude of responsibility for the environment.

 

 Field activities - Observation of Local Fauna and Flora

Students from classes 2a and 3a took part in outdoor lessons under the theme “Observation of Local Fauna and Flora.” During a field trip around the nearby area, the children carefully observed the surrounding nature and recorded their findings on specially prepared worksheets. During the activity, the students also learned the meaning of the term biodiversity and discovered why it is so important for the natural environment. At the end, each group of students created their own “biodiversity map,” which summarized the knowledge they had gained and the observations they had collected. Thanks to these lessons, the children were able not only to develop their skills in attentive nature observation but also to form an attitude of responsibility for the environment.

LIFE CYCLE OF WASTE - POLAND

In class, we prepared a glass container, soil, and a selection of items: mandarin peels, a candy wrapper, a candy, leaves, a stick, pine needles, a seashell, a pear, cereal grains, a cardboard box, and a deceased grasshopper that the children had found during a walk. We placed layers of soil in the glass container and arranged the individual objects, covering them with additional soil. This activity was carried out on 30 September 2025.

On 4 November, we examined the changes that had occurred. It turned out that only the candy had disappeared; all the other items were still present. The grains had germinated. While observing the changes in the various types of waste, the students noticed an unpleasant smell, indicating the decomposition of natural materials. They also discovered a new living inhabitant in the container — an earthworm — which remained in the soil together with the other items.

In a month, we will check again to see what has changed and how our waste is “living.”

RECYCLING

In the lower grades, students participate in ecological education sessions dedicated to proper waste segregation. Children bring various types of waste from home, including plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, glass, and mixed waste.  At the beginning of the lessons, the principles of segregation and the colour-coded system of waste containers were reviewed. Working collaboratively, students then sorted the collected materials, placing each item into the appropriately designated container.

These sessions are highly practical in nature—students independently decide which container is suitable for a particular type of waste. During the activity, the most common segregation mistakes are discussed, along with the broader importance of responsible environmental behaviour. Through these lessons, students consolidate their understanding of recycling and the responsible handling of waste. They also gain awareness that their everyday choices and actions directly contribute to the protection of the natural environment.

Educational visit by the students of the Experimental Junior High School of Rhodes, University of the Aegean, to the Rhodes Butterfly Education Center for the Environment & Sustainability

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, students from the Eco Club of the Experimental Junior High School of Rhodes – University of the Aegean made an educational visit to the Rhodes Butterfly Education Center for the Environment & Sustainability. The visit was part of the school's environmental education activities and aimed to raise students' awareness of issues related to the natural environment, water, and sustainable development. During their stay at the Environmental Center, the students learned about the Center's operation and role in promoting environmental education. Through a series of experiential games and educational quizzes, the children actively participated in exploring issues related to the natural environment, acquiring knowledge in a creative and enjoyable way. Particular emphasis was placed on the "World of Water" program, which included topics such as: the relationship between water and human needs and its invaluable importance, the concept of modern marine ecology, the distinction between fresh and salt water, the ecological footprint of food, and the water cycle. The students approached the topic not only from an environmental perspective but also from the perspective of active citizenship, exploring ways of responsible management of water resources. Outside the Environmental Center, the students had the opportunity to observe closely how solar panels work, how a botanical garden works, as well as a small wind turbine, which converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity, offering a practical example of renewable energy sources. Later, the group went to the Valley of the Butterflies, where they participated in activities at the Pelekanos stream. Using state-of-the-art binoculars, the students observed the natural landscape and took part in experiential activities that highlighted the richness and uniqueness of the area.

Our online video from our visit: https://screenapp.io/app/v/OzM8QM9qgT 

 

Learning how to make pH Measurements 

On December 10, 2025, in collaboration with the Physics teacher, we gathered at the Physics Laboratory of the Experimental High School of Rhodes, University of the Aegean. 
Initially, the students dealt with the basic distinction of materials into acidic, basic, and neutral. Through an experimental process, they used pH paper to measure the pH of various solutions, such as acids, bases, and water, in order to understand the concept of acidity and alkalinity. At the same time, substances of different acidity and basicity were compared, reinforcing the students' investigative approach and critical thinking.
Then, as part of the environmental investigation, the teachers brought in samples of seawater from different spots around the wider sea area of Rhodes. The students measured the pH of these samples and found that there were no significant deviations, as the values were within the normal limits for the marine environment.
The activity was completed with microscopic observation.The students used optical and electronic microscopes to observe microorganisms contained in seawater, gaining a direct picture of the microscopic life and biodiversity of the marine ecosystem of Rhodes.
The above activities contributed significantly to the understanding of basic concepts of Chemistry and Environmental Science, while at the same time raising students' awareness of issues related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment through experiential and experimental learning.

 

CREEPY CRAWLIES COMPETITION 

Online Visit to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre

On the 12th February 2026, students of the Environmental Club participated in an online educational visit to the Greek Sea Turtle Rescue and Protection Centre of ARCHELON. During the virtual tour, experts from the organization presented the important work they carry out to protect and rescue sea turtles in Greece. Students learned about the main threats sea turtles face in the Mediterranean Sea, including marine pollution, plastic ingestion, accidental capture in fishing nets, and injuries caused by boats. The presentation explained how injured turtles are rescued, treated at the rescue center, and eventually returned to their natural environment. A very special moment of the visit was when students were introduced online to “Everest,” one of the injured turtles being cared for at the center. With great enthusiasm, the students decided to adopt the turtle for two weeks, contributing to the cost of its food and medical care. This initiative helped students better understand the importance of volunteering, environmental responsibility, and the protection of marine life, strengthening their commitment to protecting the natural world.

Under the Microscope – Discovering the Secrets of Leaves.

The lesson began with a short discussion linking the topic to the Happy Planet project, emphasizing that plants are the “lungs of the Earth” and introducing the importance of understanding their internal structure. Students then checked their workstations and prepared for the laboratory activity. During the main part of the lesson, the teacher demonstrated how to take a piece of the lower leaf epidermis, and students prepared their own slides using a drop of water and a cover slip. Under the microscope, they observed epidermal cells, stomata, and chlorophyll grains (if visible), documenting their observations with scientific drawings on their worksheets. The lesson concluded with a short presentation or discussion of the most interesting findings and the functions of the observed tissues.

 

Experiment with salt & importance of water

The experiment carried out by first-grade students focused on observing the process of salt crystallization. Warm water was poured into a jar and mixed with salt, and a few drops of food colouring were added. A string was attached to a stick placed across the top of the jar so that the end of the string was submerged in the solution, and the experiment was left for two weeks for observation. During the following days, the students noticed that the water slowly evaporated and colourful salt crystals began to appear on the string. Through this activity, the children learned about evaporation and crystallization, and also understood how important water is in nature and why we should protect it. The experiment encouraged curiosity about the natural world and showed that science helps us better understand the processes taking place on our planet.

 

SCHOOL GARDEN TOMATOES

As part of the Happy Planet project, students once again worked in the school garden, this time planting tomatoes. During the activity, they learned how to care for plants and understood the importance of gardening for the environment and healthy living. Students discovered that growing their own vegetables helps reduce pollution connected with transport and packaging, while also supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. The tomatoes grown in the school garden will later be eaten by students, promoting healthy eating habits and encouraging them to choose fresh, natural food.

Beekeeping workshops

Children from all preschool groups took part in beekeeping workshops. The aim of the activities was to introduce the children to the life of bees and the important role they play in the natural environment. During the workshops, the preschoolers learned about the work of a beekeeper, found out how honey is harvested from a hive, and discovered what mysterious tools such as a bee smoker and a bee feeder are used for. They had the opportunity to look inside a traditional reed hive and examine photographs of insects. They learned about the division of roles and the organization of life within a bee colony, as well as the rules for safe contact with insects. All the children who took part in the workshops had the opportunity to taste different types of honey and also made their own beeswax candle.

Mathematics & Environmental Club Visit to the Rhodes Bee Museum

On the 19th February, students from the Environmental Club and the Mathematics class participated in an educational visit to the Rhodes Bee Museum, combining environmental education with mathematical learning. During the visit, students explored the fascinating world of bees and learned about the structure and organization of the beehive. They also discovered the history and tradition of beekeeping in Rhodes and observed the process of honey production, while becoming familiar with different bee products. A particularly interesting part of the visit was the study of the geometric structure of the honeycomb. Students examined the regular hexagon and learned why this shape is the most efficient one, allowing bees to use space in the best possible way while using the least amount of material. This activity helped them understand how mathematics exists in nature. At the same time, students discussed the important role of bees in biodiversity and ecosystem balance. The visit ended with a hands-on activity where students created candles made from 100% natural beeswax, which they kept as a souvenir of this unique educational experience.