Our school has been selected to participate in the European SHORE Programme!
With great joy, we announce that the 1st 12-class Ralleio Experimental Primary School of Piraeus has been selected to take part in the European programme SHORE – Mission Ocean, with the innovative project “MedSea Detectives: Uncovering the Secret Life of Our Urban Coast” (MED.U.S.A.).
Through this programme, our students will become “Sea Detectives”, exploring the coastal ecosystem of Piraeus and investigating topics such as:
🔹 marine biodiversity
🔹 microplastic pollution
🔹 the impacts of climate change
Students will use scientific tools both in the field and in the school laboratory, create the first student-led Augmented Reality (AR) Route in Greece along the coastline of Piraeus, and share their findings with the local community as well as with partner Blue Schools across the Mediterranean.
The programme combines science, creativity, and active student engagement, promoting collaboration with families, local authorities, research institutions, and NGOs. Our goal is to cultivate ocean literacy and strengthen the protection of the coastal environment, contributing to the EU objectives for the restoration of oceans and waters by 2030.
🌍 Our students are becoming ambassadors of the Blue Planet, through projects that bring together knowledge, technology, and creativity!
On Friday, 3 October, the first online meeting of the participating schools took place, during which all school projects were presented. Ms Maria Rellia, Principal and Action Coordinator of the 1st 12-class Ralleio School, presented our school’s project entitled “MedSea Detectives: Uncovering the Secret Life of Our Urban Coast” (MED.U.S.A.).
MedSea Detectives: The Journey Continues! 🌊🔍
The 1st Dodekathesio Ralleio Experimental Primary School of Piraeus is actively participating in the European programme SHORE Community – Mission Ocean, within the framework of Horizon Europe, through the innovative initiative
MedSea Detectives: Uncovering the Secret Life of Our Urban Coast (MED.U.S.A.).
Our students are already stepping into the role of young sea researchers. With scientific curiosity and creativity, they are exploring marine biodiversity, microplastic pollution, and the impacts of climate change, while discovering how the coastal environment of Piraeus is connected to global environmental challenges.
A highlight of the programme is the design of the first student-led Augmented Reality (AR) Route in Greece, where knowledge, technology, and experiential learning come together along the city’s coastline.
📌 In the coming period, our school will implement actions and collaborations with scientific institutions, municipalities, and NGOs, strengthening environmental awareness, educational innovation, and students’ active engagement with the local community.
📲 Follow the programme’s Facebook page
➡️ MedSea Detectives: A Shore Pilot School Project
to stay updated on all developments, activities, and creations of our young “Sea Detectives.”
Because knowledge becomes powerful when combined with action—and the future of our seas begins at school. 🌍💙
The Journey of Water: From Rain to the Sea – and Back Again! 💧🌍
On Monday, 10 November, the first interactive workshop entitled “The Journey of Water: From Rain to the Sea – and Back Again!” 💧 was successfully held as part of the MedSea Detectives: A Shore Pilot School Project.
Dr Charalambos Manousiadis, with his endless enthusiasm and engaging approach, guided the young explorers of the 6th grade on a fascinating journey through the hydrological cycle, pollution, reforestation, and even… Psyttalia!
🧠 The children learned, laughed, answered quizzes, and in the end faced a fun question:
❓ If they were drops of water, where would they like to go on holiday?
✔ To tropical Hawaii or icy Penguinland?
🎯 Spoiler: Grandma’s bathtub turned out to be an unexpectedly popular destination! 😄
⚓️ The workshop was coordinated by the school principal, Ms Maria Rellia, the teachers Anastasia Vraila (6th Grade 1), Amalia Giannoutsou (6th Grade 2), Flora Monou (English), and Dimitris Marangos, father of two students at the school and a member of the MEDUSA team, who set an engaging and communicative rhythm for the journey.
🙏 We warmly thank Mr Charalambos Manousiadis for his wonderful presence and the scientific spark he brought into our classroom!
The Droplet Laboratory: Learning the Water Cycle! 💧🔬
💦 Experiments, laughter, and… amazing questions!
In the second interactive workshop of the MedSea Detectives programme, the 4th Grade students (D1 and D2) became little scientists and explored the water cycle firsthand through experiments on evaporation, cooling, and water purification!
In our fully equipped School Science Laboratory, we got hands-on with knowledge and discovered where a single drop of water travels—even learning how water is recycled in… space! 🚀
What happens when a drop of water evaporates, travels through the sky, and returns to Earth?
Can water ever truly “disappear”? And how is it purified? 🤔
Giorgos Vosinakis, BSc in Mathematics (NKUA) and Researcher at ICCS – Research Center of NTUA, guided the students through a hands-on, interactive physics workshop, where science becomes play and curiosity leads to knowledge!
🔬 Turning theory into practice:
– We touched water in all its forms,
– Discovered how it is purified,
– Talked about distillation and recycling,
– And revealed a surprising but true fact:
🚀 How astronauts go to the bathroom in space… and how they end up drinking the same water again!
🎓 Once again, “The Journey of Water” became an opportunity for learning, amazement, and environmental awareness.
The workshop was coordinated by the school principal, Ms Maria Rellia, the teachers Vasiliki Marinopoulou and Spyridoula Giremezi (D1), Vasiliki Karopoulou and Angeliki-Maria Krokidi (D2), and Dimitris Marangos, communications specialist, father of two students at the school and member of the MEDUSA team.
🌊 At the same time, the 4th Grade MedSea Detectives visited the beach behind SEF, where they closely observed pollution and litter threatening the marine environment. Collecting water samples, they took on the task of analyzing them in the school laboratory to determine the level of contamination.
An initiative that combines knowledge with environmental awareness.
STEM Day
With great joy and creativity, a special journey of knowledge, collaboration, and… water came to life these days! 💧 The MedSea Detectives: A Shore Pilot School Project embarked on a mission beyond Piraeus and traveled to Lamia, where the 4th Grade students of the 1st 12-Class Ralleio School took part in an impressive STEM Festival at the 2nd Primary School of Lamia.
There, they joined the 6th Grade students of the Lamia school and together dived into the exciting world of water-themed experiments. In the school laboratory, water took center stage: it was colored and transformed into rainbows 🌈, the properties of different hydrophysical materials were explored, and an impressive “lava” 🌋 was created for catapults.
The most astonishing experiment, however, was when a water-filled bag was pierced without a single drop spilling! Surprise, laughter, and amazement filled the classroom.
The festival took place on Friday, 28 November 2025, from 10:30 to 12:00, under the guidance of teachers Athanasia Kanatoula and Anastasios Kamaritsas, with the aim of sharing water-based STEM experiments.
The children were divided into groups, presented their experiments, and explained the underlying theory in simple terms, demonstrating that science can be understandable, hands-on, and fun.
And as if all that weren’t enough, the theme of the day was reinforced by the weather: a torrential rain accompanied our journey, providing… even more water! ☔💧
The students returned to Piraeus full of enthusiasm, new knowledge, experiences, and wonderful memories, proving that when collaboration meets learning, the result is truly magical. 🌟
Α Visit to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center
With smiles, sunshine, and lots of love for the sea, a special educational experience took place for the students of G1 and G2, as part of the MedSea Detectives: A Shore Pilot School Project. 🐢☀️
On Monday, 15 December 2025, our third graders visited the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada and came into direct contact with a world of care, responsibility, and respect for the marine environment. As young sea researchers, they learned firsthand how injured sea turtles are treated and were informed about the serious threats these animals face in the Mediterranean, such as plastic pollution, fishing nets, and human activity.
Through hands-on learning, the children realized how our everyday choices directly impact the marine ecosystem, and how important it is to take action to protect marine life. They learned that even small actions can make a big difference.
This experience culminated in a gesture full of symbolism and meaning: the students adopted the largest sea turtle at the Center, Everest. For the next 46 days, his food and care will be covered through their contribution, turning knowledge into action and awareness into a daily responsibility. 💙
The MedSea Detectives continue to learn not only from books but, most importantly, through experiences that foster ecological awareness, empathy, and love for the sea. Because environmental education, when it begins at a young age, can leave a lasting and positive impact on our world. 🌍🐢
From the Waves to the Seabed: How We Study the Sea
With enthusiasm, curiosity, and plenty of scientific wonder, the 3rd interactive workshop of the MedSea Detectives: A Shore Pilot School Project was successfully completed, proving that learning becomes truly magical when it is hands-on. 🌍💙
Students from Grades 1, 2, 3, and 5 actively participated in this special workshop led by Dr Stelios Petrakis, titled “From the Waves to the Seabed: How We Study the Sea.” Through examples, experiments, images, and real field stories, the children explored the world of marine science and discovered how scientists study water.
Our young MedSea Detectives learned:
- how the water cycle works,
- how and why floods occur,
- how pollution affects water and ecosystems,
- what happens below the surface of the sea,
- and why science is a key ally for a sustainable planet.
With lively curiosity, the students asked many questions, gave accurate—and often surprisingly mature—answers, and demonstrated that curiosity is the most important tool of any researcher. As it was aptly said, “It is not the answers that move us forward, but the right questions”—and in this workshop, the children asked many very good ones!
The 3rd workshop left behind knowledge, inspiration, and the certainty that tomorrow’s scientists are learning today to observe, to ask, and to care.
The MedSea Detectives continue their journey into the world of science and marine conservation with energy… and the best is yet to come! 🌊
💧🌍 The Journey of Little Droplet Stagonoulis
On Friday, January 9, 2026, the students of classes E1 and E2 of the 1st Dodekathesio Ralleion Experimental Schools of Piraeus briefly left their classrooms behind and became “travel companions” of Stagonoulis in a unique environmental experience.
We visited the EYDAP Water Treatment Plants in Galatsi, where we took part in the educational program “The Journey of Little Droplet Stagonoulis.” Through an engaging and immersive journey, the children traced the path of water from its sources and reservoirs (such as the Evinos Reservoir) all the way to the taps in our homes.
Through play, hands-on activities, and active participation, our young researchers:
✔️ Discovered the water cycle: They saw how water travels through massive pipelines to reach our city, Athens.
✔️ Learned about water purification: They understood how scientists ensure that water is safe and how treatment tanks operate.
✔️ Explored the unseen side of the city: They learned what happens to water after we use it—its journey through the darkness of sewer networks and the importance of biological wastewater treatment at Psyttaleia.
✔️ Developed environmental awareness: They realized that responsible water use is a shared responsibility, essential for protecting ecosystems and the Saronic Gulf.
After the very interesting presentation and discussion with the program coordinator, the children created their own cards reflecting their impressions and wrote a lovely text/poem about their experience, thus participating in the Stagonoulis Competition.
Smiles, questions, excitement, and many “aha!” moments — today, water became knowledge, experience, and inspiration! This activity was carried out as part of the SHORE MedSea Detectives program, as our students are trained every day to become the planet’s future guardians.
The journey of knowledge continues! 💦✨
#Ralleia #Piraeus #EYDAP #Stagonoulis #EnvironmentalEducation #SHORE #MedSeaDetectives #Sustainability #WaterEducation
Teachers’ Training Activity at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre “ARCHELON”
On Tuesday, January 13, within the framework of the environmental programme MedSea Detectives, our school teachers, Ms Maria Rellia and Ms Alexandra Bakali, participated in a training activity at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre “ARCHELON”, acknowledging that environmental education also begins with the continuous professional development of educators themselves.
During the visit, we attended a particularly interesting and well-structured presentation and received training from Ms Anna Kontoleon, who introduced us to the work of ARCHELON, the main threats faced by sea turtles, the procedures for their rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction into their natural environment, as well as ways in which this knowledge can be transferred into educational practice.
The activity highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and the active involvement of teachers in environmental programmes, strengthening their role as guides and role models for students. Through such training opportunities, the MedSea Detectives programme gains meaningful content and continuity, as knowledge and environmental awareness are passed on from teachers to children.
Because in MedSea Detectives we all learn—both young and old—that protecting the sea and marine life is a shared responsibility and begins with knowledge, cooperation and action. 🌊🐢
🌊 MedSea Detectives: Learning About Volunteering, Protecting the Sea
The activities of the MedSea Detectives continue dynamically! 🌊🔍
Today, we had the great pleasure of welcoming to our school Mr. Christos Makris and Ms. Elina Verikaki, representatives of the volunteer department Team Up of the Municipality of Piraeus. They spoke to our students about the meaning, value, and power of volunteering in everyday life.
Students from Grades 1 to 4 met the beloved Ntoulis the Little Volunteer, the small elephant—children’s friend and the official volunteering mascot of Piraeus. Through his story, we discussed the challenges our city faces and discovered how, through small and simple acts, we can all contribute to a better and cleaner environment.
The activity concluded with creative drawings that truly impressed us! The students expressed their imagination and sensitivity by depicting scenes of beach and sea clean-ups, turning knowledge into creativity and messages into action. 🎨
✨ Most importantly?
In collaboration with the Municipality of Piraeus, the children will soon take part in a clean-up of Votsalakia Beach, proving that volunteering can begin at a young age.
Because the MedSea Detectives learn that protecting the sea and our local environment starts with cooperation, responsibility, and love for our surroundings. 💙🌍
When Giving Becomes a Way of Life: Awarding of the 1st Dodecatheon Ralleio Experimental School of Piraeus
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the annual New Year’s cake-cutting event of the Volunteering Office of the Municipality of Piraeus took place—an event dedicated to highlighting and supporting volunteer work within the local community.
During this event, the 1st Dodecatheon Ralleios Experimental Schools of Piraeus had the honor of being recognized for its voluntary activities within the framework of the European MEDUSA program and its ongoing contributions to the local community. This distinction is a great honor for our school community and, above all, belongs to our young students.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our students who attended the event with pride and their brightest smiles. Through their attitude and participation, they remind us that volunteering knows no age—it has heart, sensitivity, and love. Their small steps become great examples for all of us.
Warm thanks are also due to our school’s teachers, who, with dedication, consistency, and a deep belief in the values of collaboration and giving, cultivate in our students the spirit of volunteering and social responsibility every day.
We also thank the Municipality of Piraeus and Ms. Elina Verykaki, Deputy Mayor of Volunteering of the Municipality of Piraeus, for the honorary invitation and recognition of our work. Their support and appreciation are invaluable encouragement for us to continue with the same vision.
This award is not just a distinction—it is a reminder that we are building, together, a more humane, fair, and brighter future. When children learn to give, hope is born for a better world.
We continue with love, inspiration, and faith in the values that unite us.
💧🌍 The Journey of Little Droplet Stagonoulis Goes On…
After visiting the EYDAP Water Treatment Plants in Galatsi, we thought about bringing Stagonoulis to our school – so that all our students listen to his story, follow his journey and understand the imaortance of water in people’s life.
Based on EYDAP educational material, three different teaching scenarios have been created by Maria Rellia, Teacher of English and Project Coordinator. These scenarios have been taught in class and our students have taken part in different educational activities.
The Journey of Stagonoulis – Module 1
The Journey of Stagonoulis – Module 2
The Journey of Stagonoulis – Module 3
The Journey of Water: From Rain to Floods. The “Battle” Against Pollution and Water Scarcity
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, another experiential workshop was held at school on the topic of rain, floods, water pollution, and water scarcity.
With speaker Stavroula Sigourou, MSc, Agricultural and Surveying Engineer, the students of the 1st and 2nd Grades explored through hands-on activities:
➡️ the water cycle,
➡️ the causes and consequences of floods,
➡️ the role of pollution, and
➡️ the importance of proper water management for our future.
A special moment came when Giorgos, a student of Class B2, demonstrated his… young meteorologist’s knowledge and made a meaningful contribution to the presentation with his insightful remarks!
We were also delighted to welcome Mr. Alexandros Papadomichalopoulos, Head of Europe Direct Piraeus, who attended and followed the workshop with great interest, strengthening the connection between our actions and European initiatives for the environment and sustainability.
Our young MedSea Detectives continue to learn, reflect, and take action for a more responsible planet.
“Why Not?” Dilemmas
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the MedSea Detectives activities continued with two dynamic, interactive workshops in collaboration with the team of The Why Community, combining storytelling, play, and environmental education.
🦐 Why Debate: The Shrimp Meze Dilemma
Through a creative story, students explored overfishing and the balance of marine ecosystems. They discussed, argued their viewpoints, and worked together to reach shared solutions.
👾 One Bottle, One Riddle, and a… Plastic Super Monster
Through riddles and the roles of environmental agents, students discovered the problem of microplastics and reconsidered their everyday habits.
Students learn through hands-on experiences, actively participate, and become agents of change both inside and outside the school.
🙏 We warmly thank The Why Community School team for designing and implementing these activities, and all contributors for the creativity and inspiration they brought to our students.
#MedSeaDetectives #EnvironmentalEducation
A Kraken with an Empty Stomach!
On Wednesday, February 25, the students of Classes D1 and D2 discussed “A Kraken with an Empty Stomach” in the classroom, as part of the 7th workshop of the MedSea Detectives: A Shore Pilot School Project.
🦐 For years, shrimp have been the local specialty, and visitors to Why Beach consume hundreds of them every day!
😧 Recently, however, their population has declined significantly, and customers are now faced with something… terrifying!
🦑 The KRAKEN that lives on the seabed, no longer able to find shrimp to eat, comes ashore in anger and snatches them straight from the customers’ plates!
😨 The customers are terrified, and the restaurant owners are on the verge of losing their businesses!
🤔 What solution would you propose to this problem?
Through this interactive workshop, students:
– listened to an engaging story filled with humour and suspense, unfolding in a surreal universe.
– identified the environmental issue underlying the story (overfishing, ecosystem balance, excessive consumption, etc.).
– searched for information, connected the story to the real world and developed an understanding of the problem and its consequences.
– used arguments, disagreed respectfully and reached a common decision through discussion.
We would like to once again thank the team of The Why Community School for implementing this initiative!
💧 Tracing the Path of Water in Piraeus
On Friday, February 27, the first literary walk of our School Library took place in Piraeus, inspired by the book “Secrets Hidden in the Chest – Mystery in Piraeus” by Mrs. Evi Pini, published by Kyfanta Editions. Through the story of the book, the students became familiar with the city and its hidden stories while following the route of the book’s heroes, Nikitas and Sofia.
One of the most interesting stops on our walk was the “Dimotiko Theatro” Metro Station, where the students had the opportunity to visit the underground archaeological exhibition. There, they discovered findings related to water and learned how it was already an essential element of life for the city since ancient times.
While observing the exhibits, we discussed the importance of water in Piraeus: the reservoirs, wells, and structures that ensured the city’s water supply, as well as the close relationship between the city and water in everyday life and in the development of its port. The underground exhibition at the metro station gave us the opportunity to understand that water is not only a natural element, but also an important part of the city’s history and cultural heritage. 💧
Τα παιδιά παρατηρούσαν με ενδιαφέρον τα ευρήματα και τις πληροφορίες που παρουσιάζονται στον χώρο, συνειδητοποιώντας ότι κάτω από τους σύγχρονους δρόμους της πόλης κρύβονται ιστορίες αιώνων. Το νερό, που άλλοτε κυλούσε μέσα από αρχαία έργα ύδρευσης και δεξαμενές, αποκαλύπτεται σήμερα μέσα από τα αρχαιολογικά ευρήματα που εκτίθενται στον σταθμό.
It was an experience that gave the students the opportunity to discover a lesser-known aspect of the city: the history of water that has shaped life in Piraeus from ancient times to the present day. At the same time, they had the pleasure of meeting the author of the book, who accompanied them on this journey of discovery.
It was a walk that reminded us that the history of a city is often hidden right beneath our feet — where water, archaeology, and the modern city meet. 💧
Creation of an Augmented Reality Coastal Trail (AR Coastal Trail)
As part of the environmental project MEDUSA, the students of our school participated in the creation of an interactive Augmented Reality Coastal Trail along the coastline of Piraeus. The aim of this activity was to highlight the importance of the marine environment and to raise awareness within the local community about the protection of the sea.
Working in teams, the students developed digital educational material that will appear at specific points along the route through augmented reality applications. They first conducted research on the marine biodiversity of the area and collected information about marine species found along the coasts of Piraeus. This material was then transformed into short informative texts and digital presentations.
At the same time, the students gathered local stories and narratives related to the sea, highlighting the strong connection between the marine environment and the local history and cultural heritage of the area. These stories were incorporated into the digital content of the route, enriching the visitors’ experience.
Special emphasis was also placed on contemporary environmental issues such as microplastics, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. The students created informative messages and digital content that promote sustainable development and responsible environmental behavior.
The interactive experience of the trail was further enhanced with audio and visual material created by the students themselves, including narrations, recorded messages, and photographs. This allows visitors to interact with the content and enjoy a more immersive learning experience.
The creation of the AR Coastal Trail was an important educational experience for the students, as it allowed them to combine scientific knowledge with creativity and digital technologies, while also contributing to the awareness of the wider community.
The stations created by the students will be installed in the coming days at the respective locations along the Piraeus coastline, as part of the dissemination of the MEDUSA Project in the wider area.
Mrs. Katharoula’s Little Shop
On Monday, March 9, 2026, the students of classes C1 and C2 of the 1st Twelve-Class Ralleia Experimental Primary Schools of Piraeus had the opportunity to attend the presentation of the educational storybook by journalist and author Lia Lappa, titled “Mrs. Katharoula’s Little Shop”, in the school’s events hall.
The activity was carried out within the framework of an experiential program of the Department of Cleanliness and Recycling of the Municipality of Piraeus, initiated by the Deputy Mayor Mr. Panagiotis Reppas, with the aim of informing and raising students’ awareness about recycling, proper waste management, and environmental protection.
Through the storytelling and the interactive discussion that followed, the students came into contact with important messages about caring for the environment in their daily lives. In a simple and understandable way, the children realized that waste which is not managed properly does not only affect our neighborhood and our city, but often ends up in the sea, contributing to marine pollution and putting marine life at risk.
The discussion focused on the importance of reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling properly, as well as on how our everyday choices can contribute to reducing marine pollution. The students reflected on the impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and discussed ways in which they can actively contribute to protecting the environment.
The author encouraged the students to express their thoughts and ideas, turning the activity into a lively educational experience that strengthened their environmental awareness and fostered a sense of responsibility toward nature.
This activity was another important educational experience within the framework of the MedSea Detectives – SHORE program, through which students at our school learn to observe, investigate, and understand the importance of protecting the marine environment of the Mediterranean. Through such initiatives, children realize that protecting the seas begins with small everyday actions that can significantly contribute to reducing marine pollution and preserving biodiversity.
Warm thanks are extended to the author Ms. Lia Lappa and to the Department of Cleanliness and Recycling of the Municipality of Piraeus for their valuable contribution to the implementation of this activity and for the important messages they shared with our students.
Votsalakia Beach Cleanup – MedSea Detectives in Action!
On Tuesday, March 10, the students of classes B1 and B2 of the 12-class Experimental Primary School of Piraeus participated in a volunteer cleanup activity at Votsalakia Beach, actively contributing to the protection of our city’s marine environment.
The activity was carried out in collaboration with the TeamUp volunteer group of the Municipality of Piraeus, with Christos Makris and Elina Verykaki, who had previously visited our school and spoken to the students about the concept of volunteerism, the value of active citizen participation, and the importance of caring for the natural environment. As a result, the children had already been prepared and had understood the role that each of us can play in protecting our coasts and seas.
Equipped with gloves, bags, and plenty of enthusiasm, the young volunteers took action by cleaning the shore from waste that had accumulated on the sand and among the pebbles. During the activity, the students had the opportunity to closely observe the types of litter most commonly found on beaches, such as plastic items, packaging, and microplastics, and to discuss their impact on marine ecosystems and the organisms that live in the sea.
This experience was a meaningful hands-on environmental education activity, through which the children realized that marine pollution often begins with everyday human activities on land. At the same time, they understood that protecting the sea is not only the responsibility of experts or authorities, but of all citizens, including the youngest ones.
At the end of the activity, the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Cleanliness of the Municipality of Piraeus, Mr. Panagiotis Reppas, was also present and congratulated the students for their participation and their environmental awareness. Mr. Alexandros Papamichalopoulos from Europe Direct Piraeus was also there to support this important initiative and to encourage young people to take part in actions that protect the environment.
The activity is part of the initiatives of the European program MedSea Detectives – SHORE, through which students at our school learn to observe, investigate, and protect the marine environment of the Mediterranean. Through hands-on experiences such as beach cleanups, children gain a better understanding of the challenges facing our seas and strengthen their environmental awareness.
The young MedSea Detectives once again proved that environmental responsibility can be cultivated from an early age and that, when we cooperate and act collectively, we can make a meaningful contribution to creating a cleaner and healthier marine environment for everyone.
🌊 Implementation of a STEAM Activity on Water
As part of our participation in the European project MEDUSA, the students of class D1 carried out a series of innovative STEAM activities focusing on water and the importance of access to clean and safe drinking water.
The activity began with the presentation of a real-life problem. Students were introduced to a scenario based on actual events, where, following extreme weather conditions, the water in a school was found to be unsafe for use. Through this stimulus, students reflected on how their own daily lives would be affected without access to clean water and developed empathy for people facing similar conditions around the world.
Subsequently, through brainstorming activities and the use of audiovisual material, students connected the issue to the global reality, recognizing the importance of water as a fundamental resource.
Learning took on a hands-on character, as students proceeded to collect and analyze a water sample from the port area of the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF).
Using special testing strips and a microscope, the students investigated the quality of the water, linking theory with scientific observation.
In the next stage, students explored possible solutions to the issue of water cleanliness. Through hands-on experimentation, they designed and constructed simple water filtration systems using everyday materials. This process helped them understand how impurities can be removed and how water quality can be improved.
The activity was also aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Students created digital content, giving “voice” to the goals through the use of applications and QR codes.
At the same time, students explored the concept of different “worlds” (the macro-world, micro-world and nano-world), understanding that many of the most important factors affecting our lives are not visible to the naked eye.
As a final activity, they designed and constructed a low-cost water filtration model inspired by nanotechnology, simulating the removal of microorganisms and harmful substances.
Additionally, they used the Scratch programming environment and the Makey Makey platform to create an interactive educational scenario.
This activity made a significant contribution to the development of students’ critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills, while also strengthening their environmental awareness.
Through this experiential learning process, students realized that science is not something distant, but a powerful tool that can provide solutions to contemporary challenges, such as access to clean and safe water.
MEDUSA Dissemination Event
The dissemination event of the European program MEDUSA – MedSea Detectives: Uncovering the Secret Life of Our Urban Coast was held with great success at the 1st 12-class Ralleion Experimental Primary Schools of Piraeus.
The event began with the arrival of the guests and the screening of audiovisual material showcasing the program’s activities. This was followed by welcome addresses from institutional representatives and organizations, as well as an online connection with the Project Monitoring Officer, Mr. Cyril Dworsky.
Subsequently, the program’s results were presented in detail by the school principal and project coordinator, Ms. Maria Rellia, with emphasis on experiential learning, active citizenship initiatives, and the school’s connection with European networks. Of particular interest was the presentation of the augmented reality route AR Coastal Trail, in which students from Class 6 participated, combining technology with scientific knowledge and storytelling. This was followed by the screening of the program’s final report video and related commentary by Mr. Dimitris Maragos, Communication Specialist and member of the project’s pedagogical team.
The program was complemented by theatrical and musical performances by the students, as well as experimental activities related to marine pollution, microplastics, and water resource management, involving student participation under the guidance of teachers and scientific collaborators.
Students actively engaged in scientific research activities, such as collecting and analyzing water samples, observing through microscopes, and constructing filtration systems, while also developing awareness-raising actions and environmental responsibility initiatives.
The event was honored by the presence of researcher Mr. Giorgos Vosinakis from the National Technical University of Athens, Deputy Regional Governor of Islands Mr. Nikos Papageorgiou, Head of Cultural Affairs of the Primary Education Directorate of Piraeus Ms. Anna Koukoutse, Health Education Coordinator of the same Directorate Ms. Maria Anagnostou, Ms. Youli Doxanaki from The Why Not? Community, Mr. Panagiotis Kyrimis, Head of Europe Direct Piraeus, the President of the Parents and Guardians Association Mr. Christodoulos Mikousis, as well as members of the Supervisory Board of the Experimental Schools of Piraeus, Ms. Loukia Tsofopoulou, Principal of the 1st Experimental Gymnasium of Piraeus, and Ms. Dimitra Kalantoni. Many parents were also present, strengthening the school community through their participation.
The event concluded with the awarding of commemorative certificates to students and collaborating organizations, followed by a group photo, in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and creativity.
The event highlighted the importance of connecting education with real life, fostering students’ critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness.