In October, the “Recycling is the pillar of sustainable development” project entered a new chapter, this time targeting students in grades 5–8. Filming began for educational short films designed for middle school students, which continue to use experiential methods but address more complex topics, tailored to the interests and knowledge level of this age group. Teachers from Săcueni and volunteers involved in the project again built upon the opportunities offered by LEGO tools, but the sessions focused on more complex concepts such as ecosystem functioning and the impact of urbanization on nature. The children built and programmed robot bees using LEGO WeDo 2.0 kits and also used Beebot robots, which playfully guided them through understanding the environmental role of bees.
Beyond working with technology, students expressed their thoughts on environmental protection and the role of bees through handmade posters. The hands-on creation and visual expression deepened their knowledge while allowing space for creativity and collective reflection.
The goal of the educational short films remains for young people to speak to other young people authentically, clearly, and motivatingly. Thus, the project not only transfers knowledge but also plays a genuine role in shaping attitudes.
The initiative is implemented with the support of the European Solidarity Corps and in partnership with the Săcueni Town Hall, and through its continuously expanding methodological toolkit, it provides an exemplary approach to environmental education in local communities.
