Quoting Albert Schweitzer's words, our project aims to show that “animal protection is education to humanity.” Empathy and responsibility are indispensable elements in a fair and human society, both in our single countries and in the EU as a whole. Our project aims at promoting these values by working on the topic ‘animal protection’. We will investigate and compare the human-animal relationship in each of our cultures and, if necessary, try to contribute actively to a change for the better. We will focus on wild animals and wildlife habitat, considering animal protection as connected to environmental protection, as well as on domesticated animals. We will survey both animals for production -animals kept in factory farming in comparison to traditional farming and the ethical and environmental consequences - and pets - stray animals included - as we assume, that “you become responsible (…), for what you have tamed" (Saint-Exupéry, “The Little Prince”). The project is a Comenius project (2010-12; coordination: Wilhelmshaven) as well.

• Subjects: Biology, Classical Languages (Latin & Greek), Environmental Education, Ethics, Foreign Languages, Geography, Health Studies, Informatics / ICT, Language and Literature, Law, Natural Sciences, Philosophy / Logic, Religion
• Languages: EN
• Pupil's age: 12 - 20
• Tools to be used: Chat, e-mail, Forum, Other software (Powerpoint, video, pictures and drawings), Web publishing
• Aims: promote an active European citizenship by • exploring both regional, national and European realities of animal protection • comparing standards (by law,... read more promote an active European citizenship by • exploring both regional, national and European realities of animal protection • comparing standards (by law, tradition, ethics) with their implementation • exploring benefits, both physical and emotional, that men gain from living with animals and comparing them with the way animals are often treated • analyzing social, legal, economic and ecologic conditions, interests • using approaches in philosophy, theology, literature for a more differentiated understanding of the relationship men / non-human beings in our surroundings • to improve the ability to communicate in foreign EU-languages • to encourage multilinguism among students • to strengthen ICT-skills hide
• Work process: 1) presentation of students, schools, towns, environment, countries 2) analysis of animal protection as part of environmental protection; conflicts between economy... read more1) presentation of students, schools, towns, environment, countries 2) analysis of animal protection as part of environmental protection; conflicts between economy and ecology, tourism and preservation of endangered species; eco-tourism 3) analyse: industrial livestock farming, also in relation to healthy nutrition 4) treatment of stray animals: statistics and observations; national laws, European directions 5) compendium of extracts from the national literary productions of each country (in both mother tongue and English language) concerning man-animal relationship, including analysis and creative writing 6) sharing, comparing, discussing the results of this research with partners hide
• Expected results: - raise students' motivation to learn a foreign language - get to know other countries on the basis of a... read more- raise students' motivation to learn a foreign language - get to know other countries on the basis of a sensible, relevant common project; - to develop cooperative learning; to improve the students’ skills in the use of English as a foreign language and the use of ICT tools. - Share/compare information about the main subject and cultural aspects. - Develop intercultural competences and respect for the difference, walking together the common path towards the creation of European citizenship . - Develop the knowledge that "reverence for both human and non human life” is one of the most important goals in our growth and existence. hide

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