• Participating schools

  • 	Wellington School
    	Mallinckrodt-Gymnasium
    	L'institut Saint-Dominique

  • Mobility

    • Mobility Ayr, Scotland
    • Mobility Dortmund, Germany
    • Mobility Mortefontaine, France
    • Mobility Maastricht, Netherlands
    
    
    • Survey
    • Conclusion

Conclusion

This project addressed energy use, an issue of local, regional, national and international importance: how do we manage diminishing energy resources in an increasingly energy-hungry world? Fossil fuels are running out and nuclear energy has become unacceptable in the eyes of the voting public. Renewable energies bring their own challenges: impact on the countryside; nimbyism; research and development costs; efficiency and reliability of supply and transmission of energy from source to the consumer. In our three countries we examined the local and national situation - the energy sources which have been used historically and the developments which are in place to meet the challenges ahead.

Through research and active learning, pupils found out about traditional forms of energy production, about the research and development of energy sources for the future and about the political and environmental issues relevant to our countries in Western Europe. Through joint questionnaires and project work, pupils compared the situation in each other's countries and examined reasons for different choices made about energy use. Practical solutions to real problems were discussed. During mobilities pupils designed and build solar, wind and tidal energy systems. They designed, managed and moderated the web-based platform developed for the project together with staff. They examined carbon-neutral solutions to today's energy needs. They produced a range of web-based multilingual teaching and learning materials which can be accessed through European Shared Treasure. In each country, this science-based programme was enhanced by a cultural programme. United through this common project, our pupils have learned to appreciate the cultural and linguistic wealth and diversity of our European family.

As a result of our findings, we know that some questions need to be addressed. Young people in Europe understand the theory behind energy production, use and conservation. The challenge we face is how to encourage our younger students to put theory into practice. They need to be made much more aware of the implications of their own choices for the future of the environment. Further work is being undertaken with them at regional, national and international level.