2nd kindergarten or N. Rysio:“We did a small experiment about air pollution using sample plates covered with Vaseline. We placed them inside our classroom and outside, then observed the results. Another time, we made our own factory chimneys—not with smoke, but with clean and beautiful images popping out of them.”

 

Experiment about air pollution by the 2nd Kindergarten of Neo Rysio, Greece

 

Experiment: How Plants Help Reduce Air Pollution

The children carried out an experiment to investigate whether plants can trap particles from the air and thus help reduce pollution. The activity encouraged them to observe, hypothesize, and draw conclusions through hands-on exploration.

Step 1 – Discussion and hypotheses:

The activity began with a discussion about air pollution and how it affects our environment. The children were invited to share their ideas and form hypotheses about how plants might protect the air. Some suggested that “leaves catch the dust,” while others believed that “plants can clean the air around them.”

Step 2 – Observation:

Each group received a potted plant and a magnifying glass. The children carefully observed the surface of the leaves to see if there was anything unusual. They noticed small particles and tiny spots of dust that seemed to have settled on the leaves.

Step 3 – Verification:

To confirm their observations, the children used a wet wipe to gently clean one leaf. They were surprised to see that the wipe became dirty, proving that the leaves had indeed trapped dust and other small particles from the air.

Step 4 – Discussion and conclusions:

Through guided discussion, the children concluded that plants help to purify the air by retaining pollutants on their leaves and releasing oxygen. They realized that greenery acts as a natural air filter that protects both people and the environment.

Step 5 – Formulation of functional definitions:

Finally, the children expressed their understanding in their own words, defining plants as “natural cleaners of the air” and “the Earth’s lungs,” reinforcing their awareness of the importance of plants for a healthy planet.

 Two presentations about air pollution!

https://prezi.com/view/KXjlhC2GELbyWsn0lbw7/?referral_token=TxwQdglnB3FN 

https://prezi.com/view/jzSrSXpcT9pLHbn5EHyG/?referral_token=9a7WH-lnB3FN 

 Stem for soil pollution!

STEM for Soil Pollution with Design Thinking method

(2nd Kindergarten of Neo Rysio, Afroditi Flora & Kalliopi Tzouka)

Our students worked at their teams following the steps of Design Thinking process

 1. Empathize

We started by talking about our planet and how pollution affects the soil, plants, and people. The children shared their feelings and ideas about what makes a city dirty or clean. They watched pictures and short videos to understand how pollution harms nature.

2. Define

Together we defined the problem: “The soil in our city is polluted, and we need to find a way to make it clean again.”

3. Ideate

The children brainstormed different ideas on how to help the Earth. They imagined clean cities, green parks, and machines that could clean the soil. Everyone shared creative thoughts about what could make our world better.

4. Prototype

The children created two models:

• One showing a city with visible soil pollution (trash, smoke, no plants).
• Another showing a clean and healthy city with trees, gardens, and a special soil-cleaning machine they invented!

5. ATest

We presented both models to our classmates and discussed which ideas worked best to keep the Earth clean. The children explained how their cleaning machine could help save the planet.

Soil pollution, 2nd Kindergarten of Neo Rysio, K. Tzouka & A. Flora

With our students we dealt with soil contamination by conducting experiments and looking for solutions to soil protection issues. The lessons were carried out in an experiential way. You may watch the video below: 

 

The first teachers' meeting 5-10-2025

 The first teachers' meeting for our project took place on 5-10-2025.Behind every idea,message,activity,and movement is a team that brings it all together.We are excited to start this journey together.

https://animoto.com/play/P8kaKEQ1hBb06hHCTvpg0A?fbclid=IwY2xjawNhlcJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBIN2d5RUhyUFBJdklwY3lQAR4c4xQJ8DUUCNOj9d-YbdNjJpmR1WOwKDDjPd56FLFVkVhkOWikW-SzW2Z4rg_aem_7ooGUAwRX7GQwbgbOibLFg