Back to: WebQuest and Digital Breakouts Compendium on STEM enhancement for pupils
Our planet is changing.
Ice is melting, sea levels are rising, animals are losing their habitats, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. These changes are signs of climate change — a problem strongly connected to human activities.
When we burn fossil fuels for electricity, transport, or heating, we release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise. Scientists warn that even a small increase in global temperature can have serious and long-lasting effects on nature and human life.
But there is good news.
Climate change is not only a global problem — it is also a local challenge that we can act on. Schools, homes, and communities can reduce their carbon footprint by making smarter energy choices.
In this WebQuest, you will become young STEM problem-solvers, using science, mathematics, engineering, and teamwork to help your own school become more environmentally friendly.
The school principal has noticed that the school uses a lot of electricity, which increases both:
- the school’s carbon footprint, and
- its energy costs.
The principal asks the older students for help.
You and your team are invited to investigate the problem and answer one key question:
How can we reduce our school’s carbon footprint (CO₂ emissions)?
Your mission
Working in teams, you will:
- understand what climate change is and how it connects to CO₂ emissions
- calculate the energy and carbon footprint of your school
- design STEM-based solutions to reduce emissions
- present your ideas clearly and convincingly
Your goal is not just to learn — but to propose realistic solutions that could actually be used in your school.
Key words climate change · carbon footprint · CO₂ · greenhouse effect · energy · renewable energy · data · experiment · sustainability · teamwork
| By the end of this WebQuest, your team must complete the following tasks: – Understand climate change and carbon footprint – Collect data about energy use in the school – Carry out a simple STEM experiment – Calculate CO₂ emissions – Design solutions to reduce emissions – Present your findings and proposals – Each team member must have a role (researcher, data collector, engineer, presenter). |
Step 1: Research & Information – Understanding Climate Change
Each team begins by exploring simple and reliable sources about climate change and carbon footprint.
First, learn what a carbon footprint is.
The European Youth Portal explains that a carbon footprint shows how many greenhouse gases (such as CO₂) are produced by an activity or by our lifestyle choices.
Visit this page and read carefully:
European Youth Portal – Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:https://youth.europa.eu
As you read, write down key ideas:
- Which human activities produce CO₂ and cause global warming?
- How are emissions measured? (for example: grams or kilograms of CO₂ per hour or per year)
Next, calculate your own carbon footprint using the online calculator below:
Carbon Footprint Calculator:
https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en
After completing the calculator, discuss in your group:
- How satisfied are you with your ecological actions?
- Which habits could you change to reduce your footprint?
Step 2: STEM Experiment – The Greenhouse Effect
Now it’s time to see science in action!
In the classroom or lab, your team will carry out a simple experiment to understand the greenhouse effect.
What to do:
- Place a thermometer in two glass bottles.
- In one bottle, create CO₂ by adding baking soda and vinegar.
- Leave the other bottle with normal air.
- Place both bottles under sunlight or a strong lamp.
- Measure and record the temperature in each bottle.
Compare the temperatures and discuss:
- Which bottle became warmer?
- Why did this happen?
This experiment shows how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
If you need help, watch this video:
Step 3: Data Collection & Calculations – How Much CO₂ Does Our School Produce?
Your team now becomes data analysts.
Collect information about how much energy your school uses, for example:
- How many lights are on each day?
- For how many hours?
- Does the school use electricity, oil, or both?
Use simple spreadsheets or tables (Mathematics) to turn energy use into CO₂ emissions.
You can use online tools such as:
CO₂ Calculator: https://co2.observer/calculator/
Helpful idea:
- 1 kWh of electricity = a specific amount of CO₂
- Multiply energy use by emission factors to estimate yearly CO₂ emissions
Your goal is to calculate an approximate annual carbon footprint of your school.
Step 4: Designing Solutions – Engineering for the Planet
Now it’s time to design solutions.
Each group prepares a plan or model to reduce the school’s CO₂ emissions using Technology and Engineering.
Possible ideas:
- Build a small wind turbine using simple materials
- Design a solar panel system
- Create an energy-saving poster for classrooms
- Propose actions like switching off lights or organizing an “Earth Hour”
Divide roles in your group:
- researcher
- calculator
- designer/engineer
- presenter
Use drawings, models, or posters to clearly show your idea.
Step 5: Presentation – Sharing Your Solutions
Finally, each group presents its findings and solutions to the class.
You may create:
- a digital presentation
- a poster
- a short report
You can use tools like:
Canva – Presentation & Poster Tool https://www.canva.com/
During your presentation, explain:
- what you learned about climate change
- how you calculated the carbon footprint (remember the definition from youth.europa.eu)
- why your solution can help reduce emissions
Extra Learning Resources
You may also explore the following educational sources:
- WWF & Environmental Education PDFs (Climate change: problems & solutions for children)
- ClickForSchools – Climate Education https://clickforschools.eu
(carbon cycle, greenhouse effect, role-play activities) - EU Learning Corner – Climate Change Board Game (ages 9–12)
https://learning-corner.learning.europa.eu - Earth Hour – WWF Greece https://wwf.gr
- Climate Pact – Climate Change Explained
https://climate-pact.europa.eu/about/climate-change_el
- Ministry of Environment & Energy – Energy Saving Tips
https://ypen.gov.gr/23-tropoi-exoikonomisis-energeias