The Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Malta, in collaboration with the Europe Direct Information Centre, Victoria, Gozo joined forces to promote science and environment education through the GLOBE EDIC STEAM Challenge.

Ramona Mercieca – GLOBE Deputy Coordinator, explained that planting seeds and watching them grow is one of the most rewarding STEAM activities.

In this hands-on science investigation, GLOBE students planted seeds and observed the conditions of the environment that promote seed germination and plant growth.The challenge, which was launched in November, was open exclusively to schools in Gozo and kept running even during school lockdown.

A total of 7 primary, 5 state and 3 church, schools registered for the challenge and involved 600 students and 50 educators.Participating schools were provided with seeds of indigenous trees, compost soil, and activity sheet together with data sheet to record plant growth.

Ms Mercieca said that the Grow 10 Trees Project provided seeds of 7 indigenous plants/shrubs/trees; Carob, Almond, Aleppo Pine, Judas, Stinking Bean Trefoil, Caper bush and Great sage.

On Arbor Day, a Question and Answer Live Session was held online. Mr Stephen Mifsud, botanist at Eco-Gozo within the Ministry for Gozo, gave a detailed insight on the scientific aspect of trees.He focused on the features and specialities of trees, the types of trees according to their origin and highlighted the importance of safeguarding the local indigenous trees.

Mr Adrian Gatt, founder of The Grow 10 Trees Project, explained the methods involved in growing and nurturing local trees with an emphasis on how and when to collect and sow seeds and watering frequency for a successful growth rate.

The challenge was concluded on Earth Day – April the 22nd, with a virtual event.

GLOBE Malta and EDIC Gozo celebrated the great achievement made by the 7 schools participating in the GLOBE EDIC STEAM Challenge.

Dr Denise Mifsud, Gozo College Principal, Ms Bara Semerakova, GLOBE Europe and Eurasian Region Coordination Office, Ms Ryan Janda, US Embassy Valletta and Dr Elena Grech, Head of the European Commission Representation on Malta, all said that they were impressed by the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm shown by all GLOBE students and teachers.

They congratulated and thanked them for instilling hope to a better, greener tomorrow.

Each of the 7 schools were given an indigenous tree to be planted in the school garden for successfully completing the challenge and to commemorate Earth Day 2021.

The GLOBE EDIC STEAM Challenge was coordinated in the 7 Gozo primary schools by Ramona Mercieca – GLOBE Deputy Coordinator.

For more information please see the GLOBE Malta facebook page

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