Dr I. Stathi, biologist of the Natural History Museum of Crete–University of Crete, answered the questions of our students about how biodiversity is affected by the climate change. We met the scientist virtually in Model Junior High School of Heraklion (11/3/22). Our school is located in the island of Crete in Greece. The meeting had a duration of 40 minutes with our 22 students. The age of the students is approximately 13 years old.

Connect project

This meeting is within the framework of European project Connect which is a three-year project funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program within the Science with and for the Society (SwafS).

Biodiversity

Connect promotes the open-schooling approach, therefore we want to explore the world of biodiversity in our planet and what we must do to protect and preserve it. Our students discussed with the scientist and found the issues that they will explore subsequently. Dr. I. Stathi mentioned many examples of biodiversity in plants and animals. We realize that humans are responsible for the 6th extinction of species. Unfortunately this extinction is accelerating by deforestation, overfishing, overgrazing and many other activities that lead to climate change. The pedagogical value of this kind of meetings is invaluable. Our students ask in real time the professional who is an expert in the field.   

Students learned the scientific facts and become aware of the climate change. Consequently environmental education is crucial for our students and for our society. This meeting is a start that lead us to learn how to preserve our nature. Thus students are ready to search what we must do in our island and in general in our country. Additionally, students observed how a scientist is working. Finally Dr. I. Stathi influenced our students and specially many students  who would like to follow the profession of biologist.