Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BioBeo (Innovative Education for the BioEconomy)
Période du rapport: 2022-11-01 au 2024-04-30
The overall aim of BioBeo is to develop and deploy an education programme that will enhance understanding and engagement across society regarding ‘circularity’ and the bioeconomy, using five bioeconomy themes - interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water, the food loop.
The objectives focus on new thinking and approaches to enhance the way that the governance of education in the circular bioeconomy is tackled and delivered by the education systems across Europe at European Commission (EC), national, regional and local levels. Institutional and cultural barriers are to be identified and structures and networks for the introduction and delivery of BioBeo curricula in schools are to be defined and created. Further goals are to enhance young people’s and general citizens‘ involvement in policy making for bioeconomy and to imbed scientific (STEM) and Social Science and Humanities expertise within governance structures. Another objective is to introduce the concept of a bioeconomy via the BioBeo education programme through the 5 BioBeo themes to a cohort (by end of the project) of 35 schools (preschool, primary and secondary level) i.e. 1,000 students, 500 parents, 100 teachers in each of Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. It is also intended to provide a basis for piloting the BioBeo education programme and resources including digital resources, in preschools, primary and secondary level schools and in teacher education modules in university courses. It is expected to enhance learner outcomes and experiences on the bioeconomy by developing a suite of digital toolkits such as videos, games, social media, and prize competitions. It is also proposed to develop the BioBeo Interconnectedness Programme with primary, secondary and university students which will disseminate bioeconomy resources across consortium countries and will culminate in the BioBeo Award. A further objective is to demonstrate a measured increase in the engagement of young people and their intention to pursue education and careers in life sciences, technology and bioeconomy. It is anticipated to integrate the BioBeo education programme into university curricula in Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Greece and to coordinate communication and dissemination by optimising the reach and visibility to students, teachers, policy makers and parents including across the consortium’s networks with dissemination to 100 additional countries for potential future uptake. BioBeo will also develop links with other relevant EU projects.
The objectives focus on new thinking and approaches to enhance the way that the governance of education in the circular bioeconomy is tackled and delivered by the education systems across Europe at European Commission (EC), national, regional and local levels. Institutional and cultural barriers are to be identified and structures and networks for the introduction and delivery of BioBeo curricula in schools are to be defined and created. Further goals are to enhance young people’s and general citizens‘ involvement in policy making for bioeconomy and to imbed scientific (STEM) and Social Science and Humanities expertise within governance structures. Another objective is to introduce the concept of a bioeconomy via the BioBeo education programme through the 5 BioBeo themes to a cohort (by end of the project) of 35 schools (preschool, primary and secondary level) i.e. 1,000 students, 500 parents, 100 teachers in each of Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. It is also intended to provide a basis for piloting the BioBeo education programme and resources including digital resources, in preschools, primary and secondary level schools and in teacher education modules in university courses. It is expected to enhance learner outcomes and experiences on the bioeconomy by developing a suite of digital toolkits such as videos, games, social media, and prize competitions. It is also proposed to develop the BioBeo Interconnectedness Programme with primary, secondary and university students which will disseminate bioeconomy resources across consortium countries and will culminate in the BioBeo Award. A further objective is to demonstrate a measured increase in the engagement of young people and their intention to pursue education and careers in life sciences, technology and bioeconomy. It is anticipated to integrate the BioBeo education programme into university curricula in Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Greece and to coordinate communication and dissemination by optimising the reach and visibility to students, teachers, policy makers and parents including across the consortium’s networks with dissemination to 100 additional countries for potential future uptake. BioBeo will also develop links with other relevant EU projects.
The BioBeo project has highlighted institutional barriers and opportunities; structures and networks; engagement of youth and parents in policy making; and a framework for innovative governance relating to bioeconomy education. A Digital Handbook has been created to complement a novel Blueprint and Methodology for Innovative Governance. It is a tool aimed primarily at teachers and educators who want to introduce new content into schools related to bioeconomy.
In addition, the core project work of creating and trialling a bioeconomy education programme was delivered in schools across five themes: interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water, and the food loop. These colour-coordinated themes with associated icons form a common thread throughout the project outputs.
The educational programme highlights the robust efforts in integrating bioeconomy concepts into youth and societal education. Comprehensive accounts of pedagogical strategies and delivery mechanisms showcase how bioeconomy principles are being woven into the fabric of education, ensuring a deep and lasting impact. The development of digital toolkits, particularly VR/AR and animated videos, represents an advancement in learning experiences related to bioeconomy.
Two major events, a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) and the BioBeo Festival, were organised to engage with key stakeholders, some of which involved co-creating materials, and to highlight important project outputs.
The BioBeo Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) for student teachers and tertiary academic staff highlights the collaborative efforts to create an interconnected learning environment. The focus on educational games further emphasises the innovative approaches being employed to deepen understanding of the interconnected nature of the bioeconomy.
The highly successful BioBeo Bioeconomy Festival in Brussels, a satellite event of the EU Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, stands as a testament to the project's outreach efforts. This festival significantly promoted bioeconomy awareness and engagement among diverse stakeholders, reinforcing the project's impact.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting careers in life sciences, technology, and bioeconomy among young people highlight a forward-thinking approach. By aligning educational pathways with future bioeconomy needs, these efforts inspire and guide students towards careers in this vital field.
In addition, the core project work of creating and trialling a bioeconomy education programme was delivered in schools across five themes: interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water, and the food loop. These colour-coordinated themes with associated icons form a common thread throughout the project outputs.
The educational programme highlights the robust efforts in integrating bioeconomy concepts into youth and societal education. Comprehensive accounts of pedagogical strategies and delivery mechanisms showcase how bioeconomy principles are being woven into the fabric of education, ensuring a deep and lasting impact. The development of digital toolkits, particularly VR/AR and animated videos, represents an advancement in learning experiences related to bioeconomy.
Two major events, a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) and the BioBeo Festival, were organised to engage with key stakeholders, some of which involved co-creating materials, and to highlight important project outputs.
The BioBeo Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) for student teachers and tertiary academic staff highlights the collaborative efforts to create an interconnected learning environment. The focus on educational games further emphasises the innovative approaches being employed to deepen understanding of the interconnected nature of the bioeconomy.
The highly successful BioBeo Bioeconomy Festival in Brussels, a satellite event of the EU Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, stands as a testament to the project's outreach efforts. This festival significantly promoted bioeconomy awareness and engagement among diverse stakeholders, reinforcing the project's impact.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting careers in life sciences, technology, and bioeconomy among young people highlight a forward-thinking approach. By aligning educational pathways with future bioeconomy needs, these efforts inspire and guide students towards careers in this vital field.
The Digital Handbook has been developed in the form of an online 'clickable' flowchart, containing relevant societal messages and information enabling navigation around existing governance structures of education, to make them more innovative, and ultimately change them for the better by introducing new bioeconomy content into schools.
The BioBeo Bioeconomy Education Programme, aligned with the 5 Pillars of Global Citizenship and many of the Sustainable Development Goals, profoundly impacts communities, children, and citizens across Europe. Through immersive learning experiences and collaborative engagement, it fosters sustainability, innovation, and ethical stewardship.
The consortium’s significant reach can deliver impacts throughout the EU and beyond, especially through the proposed sharing of BioBeo learning materials via its partner FEE in its online academy and Global Action Days. In addition, the successful delivery of the BioBeo Bioeconomy Festival has demonstrated the potential of engagement with a youth audience, which could be replicated on an annual basis.
In summary, BioBeo’s comprehensive approach fosters a robust educational roadmap for bioeconomy, ensuring its principles are thoroughly integrated and widely disseminated across all levels of education and community engagement.
The BioBeo Bioeconomy Education Programme, aligned with the 5 Pillars of Global Citizenship and many of the Sustainable Development Goals, profoundly impacts communities, children, and citizens across Europe. Through immersive learning experiences and collaborative engagement, it fosters sustainability, innovation, and ethical stewardship.
The consortium’s significant reach can deliver impacts throughout the EU and beyond, especially through the proposed sharing of BioBeo learning materials via its partner FEE in its online academy and Global Action Days. In addition, the successful delivery of the BioBeo Bioeconomy Festival has demonstrated the potential of engagement with a youth audience, which could be replicated on an annual basis.
In summary, BioBeo’s comprehensive approach fosters a robust educational roadmap for bioeconomy, ensuring its principles are thoroughly integrated and widely disseminated across all levels of education and community engagement.