The environmental challenges are more and more pressing nowadays and teaching students about the importance of our natural surroundings is of utmost importance. The eTwinning project Eco Explorers represents a meaningful educational initiative that brings students and teachers together across borders. People from 16 schools from Romania, Turkey and Greece work on engaging activities that are done monthly with a view to fostering environmental awareness, digital skills, and international collaboration.
Eco Explorers is an interdisciplinary eTwinning project designed for students aged 8–12. The project aims to develop students’ environmental awareness, stimulate curiosity for science, and foster a love of nature. Through hands-on experiments, digital games, art, and outdoor activities developed between January and May 2026 students explore topics such as recycling, energy, water, biodiversity, and sustainability. The second grade students from Alexandru Ioan Cuza National College, Galați, Romania are extremely eager to take part in these activities which allow them to express their curiosity and creativity.
The project began with a focus on water, highlighting its essential role in sustaining life. Students explored water conservation through practical activities that encouraged responsible usage in daily life. The design of water-themed posters was one of the first activities which combined students’ artistic skills with environmental messages. The highlight of the month was a collaborative digital activity created by one partner school, a water cycle game created with learningapps – students engaged with the game, reinforcing their understanding of the water cycle in an interactive and enjoyable way.
The topic of the activities to be performed in February was sources of renewable energy which encouraged pupils to think of sustainable alternatives. The students were encouraged to design their own simple renewable energy models. We discussed different energy concepts and we chose to create artwork to exemplify water energy models. Other participants designed their own renewable energy models, demonstrating innovation and problem-solving skills. A Wordwall matching activity on different energy types, developed by another partner school offered opportunities for interactive learning. The best artworks were uploaded to a shared digital map, showcasing the vision of all partners.
In March we wanted to get closer to nature, emphasizing biodiversity and the importance of ecosystems. Through local observation activities, students explored plants and animals in their surroundings, including areas near the Danube River. During these activities they took photos of plants, animals and birds which were then transformed into a Digital Nature Game Box, where photos of animals were turned into puzzles. These puzzles were shared with their project partners, offering them digital resources to play with and learn from. Additionally, some students contributed to writing a collective story entitled Adventure in the Forest- each partner school wrote a paragraph and drew an accompanying illustration to a shared story, resulting in a rich, multicultural narrative.
April is dedicated to celebrating the Earth Day. Students are encouraged to actively contribute to environmental protection. The activities include planting seeds as a symbol of growth and responsibility, participating in an Earth Day-themed game, and celebrating the importance of caring for the planet through artwork. These actions reinforce the idea that even small steps can lead to meaningful change.
This project is another example of how international collaboration and creative learning can inspire young people to become environmentally responsible. By combining digital tools, hands-on activities, and teamwork, the project not only enhances students’ knowledge of environmental issues but also encourages them to take action. We hope that our very young students involved in Eco Explorers will choose to take part in similar projects in the future.