Erasmus+ Course

Course overview

This course empowers educators to integrate climate action, sustainability, and innovation into their classrooms and communities. By using the Design Thinking process, participants will connect global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation to local classroom solutions. Through eco-friendly practices, student-led projects, and data-driven insights, teachers will gain tools to foster creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility in their students.

Key Features

• Exploration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the EU Green Deal as frameworks for climate action.
• Integration of the Design Thinking process for sustainable innovation.
• Hands-on strategies for guiding student-led eco-innovation projects.
• Focus on well-being, equity, and social responsibility within sustainability.
• Cross-curricular approaches to teaching sustainability.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Teachers at all levels who want to integrate sustainability into their teaching.
• School leaders and coordinators who want to lead green initiatives.
• Educators passionate about equipping students to become changemakers for a greener future.

Course Methodology

• Experiential Learning: Hands-on eco-design labs and climate simulations.
• Design Thinking: Co-creation of innovative solutions to climate challenges.
• Collaborative Projects: Interdisciplinary lesson and project design.
• Practical Application: School audits, eco-project pitches, and pledges.
• Reflection & Action Planning: Guided reflection for long-term impact.
• Digital & Data Integration: Using data to track ecological footprints and sustainability efforts.

Modules

Module 01 – Sustainability & the EU Green Deal

Big-picture introduction to the Green Transition and its role in education.
Activity: 'Future Headlines' — groups create newspaper headlines for 2035 imagining a sustainable
Europe.

Module 02 – SDGs as a Roadmap for Education

Explore the 17 SDGs and connect them to school life.
Activity: 'SDG Jigsaw' — each group explores one SDG and designs a classroom connection.

Module 03 – Design Thinking for Climate Innovation

Introduction to the Design Thinking cycle (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test).
Activity: Teams begin a sprint to solve a local sustainability challenge.

Module 04 – Everyday Eco-Choices

Linking daily habits (food, energy, waste, transport) to climate change.
Activity: 'Carbon Footprint Detective' — track and reflect on personal and classroom impact.

Module 05 – Understanding Climate Systems & Challenges

Simple introduction to climate science and global challenges.
Activity: Climate simulation game for better understanding of impacts

Module 06 – Using Data for Climate Education

Learn to collect, analyze, and present sustainability data.
Activity: Create a simple school audit on energy, waste, or water use.

Module 07 – Well-being & Equity in Green Communities

Exploring the connection between sustainability, equity, and well-being.
Activity: Role-play around fair access to green resources

Module 08 – Teaching Sustainability Across Subjects

Strategies for integrating sustainability into STEM, languages, and arts.
Activity: Design a 'sustainability crossover' lesson plan.

Module 09 – Student-Led Eco-Innovation Projects

Empowering students as changemakers through project-based learning.
Activity: Teams design and pitch eco-projects (eco-gardens, recycling apps, awareness campaigns).

Module 10 – Becoming Green Changemakers

Reflect on personal and professional roles as leaders of change.
Activity: Create personal 'Sustainability Pledges' for classroom and school use.

Module 11 – From Knowledge to Action

Turning ideas into concrete next steps.
Activity: Build a Climate Action Plan for classroom, school, or community.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the EU Green Deal and SDGs as frameworks for sustainability education.
• Apply the Design Thinking process to sustainability challenges.
• Integrate eco-friendly practices into classrooms and schools.
• Use data to measure and reflect on ecological impact.
• Design and lead student-led eco-innovation projects.
• Promote well-being and equity through sustainability education.
• Create actionable Climate Action Plans for immediate implementation.

General Course Information

Before the course:

You would be required to fill a Questionnaire.
You will receive “ITC Guide Document” where you will find all necessary information.

After the Course:

Course evaluation form
Certificates
Course materials in electronical form / Other materials for self-study and dissemination of the techniques.