The event welcomes educators from different countries and is organised by professionals in the fields of education, citizen science and marine and freshwater research, and is designed to address the capacity-building needs of primary and secondary teachers, to:

• Integrate citizen science initiatives in the school curriculum, engaging students with the most pressing scientific concerns of their time.
  
  
• Empower schools to become community hubs, inspiring proactive engagement from students in monitoring marine and freshwater health, combating pollution, advocating for water stewardship, and raising awareness in their communities.

The Summer School will be an international initiative, where educators from different European countries will come together in a joint learning environment that will promote a European exchange of best-practices. In a mix of socio-cultural moments and high-quality learning activities, participants will increase their cultural awareness, broaden their networks, and enhance their competence profile.

The course will introduce educators to citizen science and its role in fostering engagement and stewardship towards marine and freshwater ecosystems. Teachers will learn how to integrate citizen science into their curriculum, focusing on empowering students to contribute to scientific knowledge while enhancing scientific literacy in their schools and communities. The program will emphasise in active learning methodologies and the seamless integration of citizen science into school practices.

With the OTTERS Summer School, the consortium is poised to make significant strides in cultivating a circle of educators equipped to inspire meaningful action in marine and freshwater conservation, driving positive change through and for their students.

For more information on the Summer School and to register: https://esia.ea.gr/otters-summer-school/