This training course, part of the Erasmus Maris initiative, engages secondary schools in key phases of marine science through a mix of formal and hands-on learning. Focused on microplastic pollution, students will sample and analyze environmental data while gaining an introduction to databases and the Erasmus Maris workflow. Collaboration and teamwork are central, and the training concludes with a certificate ceremony recognizing participants' achievements.

Who is it for?

Secondary school teachers and facilitators - Secondary school students with an interest in environmental science, marine biology, or related fields. Students should have a basic understanding of scientific concepts, particularly those related to ecology, biology, and chemistry. Students should be familiar with basic laboratory techniques and fieldwork procedures (15 years and older).

Venue

​Escola de la Mar, Av. Mediterrania, S/N, 12530 Borriana, Castellón, Spain

• Recall key terms related to microplastic pollution.
• Identify the main environmental impacts of microplastics.
• Identify different types of microplastics commonly found in aquatic environments
• List the different abiotic factors relevant to marine ecosystems.

Comprehension:

• Describe the importance of microplastics analysis in environmental research.

Applying:

• Collaborate with peers to implement the sampling protocol for collecting microplastic samples in various aquatic environments.
• Measure abiotic factors in aquatic ecosystems.
• Apply the Erasmus Maris protocol to analyse environmental samples.
• Prepare data and metadata in appropriate formats.

Analysis:

• Interpret data collected during the training week and compare microplastic concentrations between rivers and seas and/or between different samples.

Synthesis and evaluation:

• Assess the environmental impact of microplastic pollution based on the data collected.

• Overview of microplastics and their environmental impact
• Importance of microplastics analysis in environmental research
• Main microplastic pollution pathways: From rivers to the sea
• How to organize and conduct microplastics sampling in aquatic environments
• How to analyze microplastics environmental samples
• Additional Activities:
  • Evaluation and Feedback
  • Active participation in sampling and analysis activities

• Participation and level of engagement: Observation of students' involvement in team-building activities, workshops, and discussions.
• Assessment of the Tasks: Assessment of the learning outcomes related to the assigned activities (analysis of samples, presentations, and reporting on their findings).
• Practical Skills Demonstrations: Students should demonstrate their understanding and skills acquired through practical tasks (conduct of sampling procedures, analysis of samples)
• Feedback and Reflection: students will be encouraged to reflect on their experiences and provide feedback on their learning progress.
• Formal Evaluation: Quizzes, and tests to assess students' understanding of key concepts and knowledge gained.

Duration

This training is divided into 5 days, totaling 45 hours of activities. 

Language of Instruction

English 

Instructors

Kamel Labibes - Ayam Sailing Europe -ASE

John Seghers - European Commission - JRC

Piotr Robouch - European Commission - JRC

Emmy Pequeur - University of Ghent - UGhent

Julie Muyle - Flanders Marine Institute - VLIZ 

Mattias Bossaer - Flanders Marine Institute - VLIZ

Organizers

This course is organized by JRC Geel and  Ayam Sailing Europe (ASE), in collaboration with the University of Ghent and VLIZ, with the support of UNESCO IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy.