case study

Forests toolkit #7 – Providing a multitude of forest ecosystem services for society – a balancing act

This activity aims to sensitise students to the multitude of ecosystem services that forests provide to society as well as the challenges of meeting the needs of many different interest groups. The activity uses outdoor learning sites known as “marteloscopes”. Marteloscopes are delineated forest areas where data has been recorded for all standing trees. The data is made available to students via an innovative, easy-to-use, educational software (“I+ Trainer” software) running on mobile devices (tablets/mobile phones).

Given guidance, pupils can experience not only forests hands-on and observe trees closely. They can also gain an understanding of how and why forests are managed, why biodiversity in forest ecosystems is important, and how to come to solutions if forests should meet multiple demands such as providing wood for valuable wood products, be a place for recreation, and serve as a home for plants and animals.

Clean Water & Sanitation #5 – History Research on Local Water System and Uses

The aim of this activity is to raise awareness of the impact of technological progress on everyday life and of health and hygiene improvements brought about by the advent of drinking and wastewater treatment processes. The project results are shown in panels, designed by the different groups of students in cooperation with the art history and history and water utility experts and can be the object of exhibitions open to other students, families and the general community.

Clean Water & Sanitation #4 – Water Blind Tasting

Research shows that tap water is just as safe as bottled water and is often not significantly different in taste. In contrast, tap water is generally a better option, since it has a much lower environmental impact and costs considerably less. This experience is useful for working out common perceptions around the topic and discussing water drinking habits.

Perceptions at the tasting experience can be compared to the results of analytical tests on several types of drinking water, allowing participants to debunk myths and fake news regarding water quality and taste.

Clean Water & Sanitation #3 – Authentic learning task “Your home water”

The aim of this activity is to engage students in an analysis of locally distributed waters, encouraging collaboration to build and evaluate knowledge. The authentic learning task involves the student group in the evaluation of analytical certificates of their home/school waters, with analysis, assessment and critical considerations on the characteristics of specific tap waters and the related impact on human health.