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!