ECC Veracruz
Learning for climate change mitigation and adaptation
The project “Educación en Cambio Climático (ECC) Veracruz” brings together education, science, and communities with a holistic approach to address the specific challenges of climate change in Veracruz region (east-central coast of Mexico). Implemented in two phases, the initiative contributes to empowering both teachers and students to take proactive steps and advocate for climate protection as well as adaptation to its impacts.
Project
Strengthening climate resilience in Veracruz
Due to its geographic location, Veracruz is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion threaten natural resources, the energy industry, and the region’s infrastructure. To create much-needed awareness of climate adaptation measures, we worked with the nonprofit organizations Fondo Golfo de México and INNOVEC – both partners of our Red STEM Latinoamérica – and the Veracruz Ministry of Education to develop an approach that strengthens climate change education as a vehicle for holistic change.
The project ECC Veracruz is divided into two phases that brings together education, science, and communities with a holistic approach to address the specific challenges of climate change in Veracruz region (east-central coast of Mexico).
Three key pillars
Open Education Resources
Creating and disseminating scientifically and pedagogically vetted and openly licensed educational materials.
Teacher Training
In workshops, STEM teachers are trained to confidently teach the complexities of climate change through active pedagogies.
Power of Networks
Regular exchange between local and global networks to learn best practices and consolidate advocacy for climate change education.
Phase 1 (2023-2024)
Climate Change Education for the coastal region of Veracruz
Our goal was to develop knowledge and professional skills in the basic education teaching community. Training students to understand the phenomenon of climate change, its impacts, and consequences, as well as the actions to face it in their localities.
Outcomes
> 900 teachers trained
As a first step, 901 teachers were trained in adaptation, mitigation and awareness projects that highlight the importance of the oceans in climate change.
> 300 projects implemented
Teachers registered 306 projects with students: Creating school gardens, creation of a PET compressors and production of candles from used household oil.
> 17,000 students reached
More than 17,000 students were involved (8,917 boys and 8,837 girls) to carry out the projects.
«The goal is to create a domino effect so that knowledge is transferred from teachers to students, their families, and the community as a whole.»
Claudia Robles, INNOVEC Mexico, Project Partner
Phase 2 (2024-2025)
Climate Change Education for the mountainous region of Veracruz
Our goal is to take our learnings from the coastal region to the mountainous region of Veracruz after conducting the necessary adaptations. We aim to train 640 pre-school, primary and secondary school teachers in climate change related topics using inquiry-based teaching and project-based learning methodology.
Activities
Extensive training for STEM teachers
The project is based on a series of workshops on climate change education for STEM teachers. Up to 256 schools in Veracruz will benefit from this project. The workshops cover relevant topics related to climate change, active teaching and learning methods to convey this content in a practical and vivid way in the classroom using our STEMplus approach. Freely available Open Educational Resources on climate change education complement the training.
Practical and project-based learning
The goal is to strengthen students‘ ability to acquire and apply climate knowledge actively. Through practical projects, students are encouraged to independently address climate-related challenges and to take action to protect climate and adapt to the consequences. The guiding principle is the inquiry-based learning approach: Teachers and students conduct experiments and surveys in their communities and discuss their findings and possible solutions.
Raising public awareness on climate change
The students learn by carrying out projects in their surroundings. The examples include: School and community projects such as developing biodigestors for energy production, school gardens are used for food production, and students are encouraged to consume regional products and recycle. This creates a new generation of responsible citizens, motivated to make well-informed decisions and consciously shape their lifestyles.
Partners
Building a community of practice for climate change education
Part of the project is also building a local community of teachers who are actively engaged in teaching and developing climate change education projects. This community will be integrated into the Office for Climate Education (OCE) project “América Latina para la Educación Climática (ALEC)” to share experiences and learn from best practices.
We also work with the non-profit organizations Fondo Golfo de México and INNOVEC – both partners of our Red STEM Latinoamérica – and the Veracruz Ministry of Education to develop an approach that strengthens climate change education as a vehicle for holistic change.
Voices from the project
«In the fight against climate change, it is important to act through education to encourage action because our example can change the world.»
Beatriz Del Valle Cárdenas, Program Coordinator / Fondo Golfo de México AC
«With very little materials, I can get my students to really learn concepts about climate change in an experiential way.»
Mtra. Maribel Fernández Baeza,
Director, elementary school, Veracruz.
«In Veracruz, we are training change agents in our schools today to ensure a sustainable future.»
Maritza Ramírez Aguilar, Undersecretary for Basic Education, Secretariat of Education, Veracruz
Contact
To learn more about the project, get in touch with:
Project Manager STEM + Climate
Badin Borde
badin.borde@siemens-stiftung.org
Photos:
© Siemens Stiftung/ Fondo Golfo de México AC und SEV (Secretaria de Educación Veracruz)