Field Course for Educators
Field Course in Applied Environmental Conservation for Educators (Daily Plan)
Below is a proposed draft plan of the course’s daily activities. Each field course will be tailored so that it is adapted to suit the interest areas and the specific expected knowledge outcomes of each group of educators. The proposed field course plan consists of a minimum of 6 days (see Days 1-6 below), with the option to extend to a total of 9 days (while Days 7,8,9 proposed below are considered optional). A combination of the proposed daily activities is also possible.
DAY 1. | Arrival / Intro Day |
Course Theme | Introduction to the course and to applied environmental conservation |
Morning Session (10:00-10:45) |
Welcome meeting Introductions, meeting and discussions between Archipelagos researchers and team of educators |
Lectures & Discussions (11:00-13:00) |
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Lunch Break: (13:00-15:00) | |
Outdoor session (15:00-17:00) |
A short hike to a nearby forest habitat will be followed by an outdoor discussion session: a brainstorm on environmental educational activities and the development of material that can be developed for educators to cause a greater impact and engagement in their classroom activities. |
Dinner: (18:30-19:30) |
DAY 2. |
Activities |
Course Theme |
Aegean Island Ecology & Conservation of Terrestrial Biodiversity: |
Field Activity: (07:00-08:00) |
Early morning bird observation survey |
Seminar: (10:00-12:00) |
Presentation of the unique wildlife of the Aegean Sea islands focusing on exploring the terrestrial species Discussion – equivalent species / environmental found in the country of the educators’. |
Activity – Field Session |
Survey hike monitoring fauna and flora species, with an emphasis on plants that have medicinal or other uses. |
Workshop: |
Design of environmental educational activities & relevant material on biodiversity or environmental threats that teachers can use in their classrooms. |
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Dinner: (18:30-19:30) |
Activity – Field Session: (20:00-21:00) |
Late night Golden jackal monitoring survey |
Comments: |
This activity could extend to multiple days, exploring various sites on the island with a focus on key species of birds, reptiles with an emphasis on chameleons (the last remaining population of chameleons in Greece still survives in Samos), golden jackals, ferrets and bats. This would include a combination of field sessions/hikes and workshops |
DAY 3. |
Activities |
Course Theme |
The Environmental Footprint of our Daily Lives: Carbon / Plastic / Chemical Footprint |
Lectures & Discussions |
Carbon, chemical, and plastic footprints caused by our daily lives to the environment. Effects on ecosystems and public health. Analysis of the dangerous impact on the ecosystem and in our daily lives. Exploring ways and alternatives to minimize the environmental impact. |
Visit (11:00-13:00) |
Visit to small-scale local producers to discuss sustainable local practices Collection of information on harmful ingredients of various everyday products (foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, |
Lunch Break: (13:00-15:00) |
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Workshop: (16:00-17:00) |
Brainstorm session Discussion, experiences and good practices – Q&As Design of environmental educational activities & relevant material that teachers can use in their classrooms. |
Dinner: (18:30-19:30) |
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Comments: |
This activity can be extended in 2 days – parts and enriched with more field visits (to an olive mill, organic beekeepers workshop, small-scale winery, organic farms) Part 1: Carbon and chemical footprint of our Daily Lives Part 2: Plastic footprint of our Daily Lives |
DAY 4. |
Activities |
Course Theme |
Sustainable Living and Organic Agriculture – Aquaculture |
Lectures & Discussions |
Organic agriculture and aquaculture. Eating seasonally, locally, and sustainably – estimation of the food miles and carbon footprint of selected foods Impacts of pesticides on public health and the environment |
Visit (11:00-13:00) |
Visit to organic farms, discussions with farmers |
Lunch Break: (13:00-15:00) |
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Workshop: (15:00-17:00) |
Design of environmental educational activities & relevant material on environmental threats that teachers can use in their classrooms. |
Dinner: (18:30-19:30) |
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Comments: |
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DAY 5. | Activities |
Course Theme | Introduction to Marine Conservation |
Lectures & Discussions (10:00-13:00) |
Impacts of fisheries, tourism, and coastal development. How human activities impact marine ecosystems and species Threats, conservation solutions for authorities, but also conservation solutions for citizens. Practical ways in which we can reduce our personal footprint |
Visit (11:00-13:00) | Visit fishing ports around the island, discussions with local fishermen |
Lunch Break: (13:00-15:00) |
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Workshop: (16:00-17:00) | Design of environmental educational activities & relevant material that teachers can use in their classrooms. |
Dinner: (18:30-19:30) |
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Comments: |
DAY 6. |
Activities |
Course Theme |
Applied Marine Conservation: Research of Dolphin and Whale populations |
The whole day will be dedicated on a boat- – The schedule for the day will be defined according to weather conditions |
Briefing on the field-based activity Boat Based Survey The educators will give an introduction to the different species found in the Mediterranean Sea. And different exhibitions on the use of equipment will be made, how to use Cameras for Photo Identification – with a display of some photos already taken. What is a hydrophone and how is used? Also, some recordings will be played to understand the sounds underwater. Finally, the educators will give a brief introduction to the potential threats that these animals are facing – such as illegal trawling. As an activity they can try to find a fishing boat while the survey as well as to find animals. At the end of the day, there will be a debriefing and discussion with a focus on environmental education activities with a focus on marine mammals and other protected species |
Dinner (18:30-19:30) |
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Comments: |
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DAY 7. |
Activities (OPTIONAL) |
Course Theme |
Applied Marine Conservation On board the Research Vessel Aegean Explorer |
The whole day will be dedicated to a boatbased survey – The schedule for the day will be defined according to the weather conditions |
Morning Briefing Research Survey with a focus on – Monitoring marine habitats of deep waters with the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), sonars and other research equipment. The educators will take part and assist in various types of surveys, providing them with an understanding of the methods and the importance of marine ecosystem monitoring. Depending on the weather conditions which will define the location of the survey, target habitats can include the Posidonia seagrass meadows – the underwater forests of the Mediterranean Sea or reefs with aggregations of sponges and corals. At the end of the day there will be a debriefing and discussion with a focus on environmental education activities with a focus on marine ecosystems, the factors that threaten them, but also the important ecosystem services they provide. |
Dinner (18:30-19:30) |
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Comments: |
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DAY 8. |
Cultural Visits (OPTIONAL) |
Whole Day Activity: |
Visit the Archaeological Museum situated at the village of Pythagorio (the location of the ancient city of Samos and hometown of the mathematician Pythagoras). The exhibition illuminates aspects of the historical and cultural evolution of ancient Samos from the Neolithic period (4th millennium BC) to late antiquity (7th cent. AD.) Visit archaeological sites of great historical significance, such as the ancient Temple of Goddess Hera and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, both of which are mentioned as wonders of the ancient world by the famous historian Herodotus, who is often referred to as the Father of History. Free time to explore local villages |
Dinner: (18:30-19:30) |
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Comments: |
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DAY 9. |
Day trip (OPTIONAL) |
Activity: |
Day trip around Samos and hiking in Samos mountains (depending on the weather) |
Whole Day Activity: (09:00-17:00) |
Option 1: Hike Potami – Megalo Seitani Potami (Rt. 1, 7.6 km, 4 h, 572 m ↗). Bring lunch for on way. Option 2: Hike Kastania – Kosmadei – Nikoloudes – Potami (Rt. 5+3+2, 11.3 km, 6h, 812 m ↗). Lunch in the traditional taverna St. Antonakak. Option 3: Hike Pythagorio – Ancient Samos (Rt. 31, 8 km, 4h, 356 m ↗). Lunch in Pythagorio. |
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Dinner (18:30-19:30) |
Comments: |
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