Blue School Project Spotlight: Lithuania

The project transforms Klaipėda “Varpas” Gymnasium into a centre for ocean literacy and climate action on the Baltic Sea coast. Addressing rising CO₂ levels and threats to the marine ecosystem, it introduces a STEAM-based model where students measure air and water quality using CO₂ monitors, take part in two interactive workshops at the Lithuanian Sea Museum, and develop creative awareness-raising outputs. Their findings are shared through a public art exhibition, a project video, and a national student conference bringing together 150 students, teachers, and partners.. By combining scientific inquiry, creativity, and community engagement, the project enhances problem-solving instruction and nurtures student leadership for a carbon-neutral future.

Work performed and main achievements: Activities includes a launch workshop for 50 students, two educational programs at the Lithuanian Sea Museum, and a series of STEAM-based chemistry labs where students analyze CO₂ in air and water as well as other water pollution factors. Students create recycled-paper artworks expressing ocean-health concerns and exhibited them publicly. A teacher exchange enables best-practice sharing on ocean literacy. The project culminates in a national conference with ~150 participants, where students present research results and carbon-reduction proposals. All activities will be documented in project video(s) and disseminated through school media and local press.

Results, produced by the project:

• STEAM research results: student-developed solution proposals for marine health

• A student art exhibition on ocean health

• A video highlighting research, museum visits, and community engagement

• A national conference involving 150 students, teachers, and partners

• Improved teacher capacity in ocean-literacy methods through a twinning exchange between teachers on teaching ocean health to students

Engagement and impact: The project actively involves 50 core students in hands-on scientific research, creativity-based awareness actions, and public dissemination, as well as 4 lead teachers. Their peers, parents, and the wider school community are engaged through the art exhibition and conference. Teachers benefit from methodological enrichment through interdisciplinary STEAM activities and twinning exchange. Partners—municipality, museum, and university researchers—contribute expertise on climate and marine health. The project aims to each around 1,000 community members through media outreach, strengthening environmental awareness and positioning students as change agents. The project aims to strengthen Lithuanian Blue Schools Network by engaging at least 3 more Blue School network members in the National conference.

“We hope this project inspires young people to become confident, creative, and informed guardians of the Baltic Sea—ready to see and lead towards a sustainable blue future.”