Space EDUnity: Δημιουργία μαθητικών κοινοτήτων για την ενσωμάτωση δεδομένων πληθοπορισμού, τηλεπισκόπησης και γεωπληροφορικής με στόχο τον μετριασμό της κλιματικής αλλαγής

Our primary objective was to empower students and educators to actively contribute to climate change preparedness and mitigation by leveraging digital tools such as Earth Observation (EO) and Geoi...

Our primary objective was to empower students and educators to actively contribute to climate change preparedness and mitigation by leveraging digital tools such as Earth Observation (EO) and Geoinformatics, as well as through crowdsourced data collection. Specifically, we aimed to create student communities focused on gathering and utilizing crowdsourced data with the use of EO and Geoinformatics techniques. This would foster hands-on learning and collaboration and would enhance the scientific skills of the students. Additionally, the students with the support of their educators are empowered to address local and global climate challenges. Another objective was the development and dissemination of a practical guide for educators and students, which would enable them to establish similar initiatives in their own communities.

Space EDUnity implemented activities focused on educating students in satellite remote sensing, mapping technologies, crowdsourcing, and addressing the climate crisis. Key activities included the design of an educational plan, which featured workshops on satellite data and mapping for climate change mitigation. The project's first level targeted over 800 students in Cyprus and Greece. Level 2 expanded on this by including hands-on training sessions and site visits, offering students practical experience with the tools and techniques discussed in the workshops. Additionally, we conducted three workshops to share experiences and gather insights among project partners, student communities and educators. To promote the project and its outcomes, we organized community awareness events and participated in related scientific conferences. Social media channels were launched, and promotional materials were created to disseminate results. Finally, we established an ongoing framework for monitoring and evaluating the activities and outputs of the project to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

The project achieved significant outputs and results, including the formation of six student crowdsourcing communities in Cyprus and Greece. The communities were supported by more than 10 dedicated mentors from the project partners. A key output was the development and online publication of a comprehensive practical guide, providing educators and students with clear steps for establishing and managing their own crowdsourcing initiatives. This guide remains accessible globally, encouraging the replication of the project's approach in other regions. The project also facilitated meaningful interactions among the student communities through a series of online workshops, where participants exchanged ideas and shared their experiences. Additionally, students gained hands-on experience during specialized workshops that provided practical training in Earth Observation (EO), Geoinformatics, and crowdsourcing techniques. Another key output was the creation and dissemination of promotional materials and dynamic social media campaigns, ensuring widespread outreach to diverse audiences at both local and international levels.