About Microsphere
MicroSphere+ Project
General data
- Project Title: MICROSPHERE+: Microenvironment Research for Microplastics Reduction
- Project No: 2026-1-SK01-KA220-VET-000463304
- Project start date: 1.11.2026
- Project duration: 24 months
- Project end date: 31.10.2028
- Key Action: Erasmus+ KA220-VET – Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training
- National Agency of the Applicant Organisation: SK01 – Slovak Academic Association for International Cooperation
- Project Coordinator: Centrum environmentálnej a etickej výchovy Živica, Slovakia
Project's main objective
The main objective of MicroSphere+ is to strengthen environmental awareness, scientific understanding and green and digital competences in vocational education and training (VET) through practical research into microplastics in local environments.
The project connects classroom learning with real-world environmental investigations by:
- Developing accessible teaching resources and standardised methods for investigating microplastics, soil and macro-waste.
- Engaging students and teachers in hands-on field sampling, citizen science and environmental data collection.
- Creating innovative digital learning opportunities, including a shared interactive VR European Map based on student-collected data.
- Promoting environmental responsibility, cooperation and knowledge sharing among schools and local communities.
Project activities
MicroSphere+ brings environmental research into vocational education through practical fieldwork, innovative learning resources and digital technologies. The project will involve teachers, students and local communities in exploring microplastics and their impact on the environment.
Development of Educational Resources
The project will develop a Teacher Guide, Citizen Science Brochure and practical Toolkit to support teachers and students in investigating microplastics, soil and macro-waste using accessible, standardised methods.
Field Research & Citizen Science
Students will investigate microplastics in schoolyards, parks and other local environments. Guided by teachers, they will collect soil samples, document observations and contribute environmental data through hands-on research activities.
Digital Learning and VR European Map
Student-collected data will contribute to an interactive VR European Map, connecting environmental observations from participating countries. Digital learning resources and webinars will support the use of research findings in education.
Environmental Awareness and Community Engagement
The project will organise exhibitions, awareness activities and opportunities for young people to share their findings with peers, families and local communities. Youth MicroScience Ambassadors will help promote environmental responsibility and citizen science.
Expected results and outcomes of the project
MicroSphere+ will develop practical educational resources, innovative digital tools and a shared approach to investigating microplastics in local environments.
The main expected results include:
- Teacher Guide and Educational Resources:
- Standardised Field Research Methods
- Digital Hub and Learning Materials
- Interactive VR European Map
Work packages
Work package n°2 – Educational Framework Development and Preliminary Feedback
Focuses on developing the educational framework, practical methodologies and learning resources for investigating microplastics, soil and macro-waste. The materials will be reviewed and refined through feedback from educators and relevant stakeholders.
Work package n°3 - Translating Scientific Concepts into Classroom Practice
Brings environmental science into practical vocational education through teacher training, scientific webinars, field kits and supervised student investigations. Students will collect environmental data and communicate their findings through digital MicroPosters.
Work package n°4 - Field Data Collection and VR-Based Visualisation
Transforms student-collected environmental data into an interactive VR European Map. Activities include digital data collection, validation, development and testing of the VR learning experience, and public presentation of the results.
Work package n°5 - Dissemination, Exploitation and Sustainability
Promotes the visibility, accessibility and long-term use of project results through the project website, open educational resources, exhibitions, dissemination events and Youth MicroScience Ambassadors.
Specific Objectives & Results
MicroSphere+ aims to make environmental research more accessible, practical and engaging for vocational education and training (VET). By connecting scientific knowledge with hands-on activities and digital innovation, the project will help students and teachers better understand microplastics in local environments.
SO1: To strengthen environmental literacy and awareness of microplastics pollution among VET students and teachers.
Results: Improved understanding of microplastics, soil pollution and environmental monitoring through accessible educational resources.
SO2: To develop practical and standardised methods for investigating microplastics in local environments.
Results: Teacher Guide, Citizen Science Brochure, Toolkit and harmonised field sampling methodologies.
SO3: To integrate hands-on environmental research into vocational education and training.
Results: Supervised student field investigations, environmental data collection, scientific webinars and digital MicroPosters.
SO4: To enhance green and digital competences through innovative learning technologies.
Results: Digital Hub, interactive VR European Map and reusable digital learning resources.
SO5: To encourage citizen science, community engagement and the long-term use of project results.
Results: Environmental awareness activities, exhibitions, Youth MicroScience Ambassadors and open-access educational resources.
Main target group
The main target groups of the MicroSphere+ project are students, teachers and trainers in vocational education and training (VET), with a particular focus on:
- 1. VET teachers and trainers who will integrate environmental research, microplastics monitoring and citizen science activities into their teaching using practical educational resources and digital tools.
- 2. VET students who will participate in hands-on field investigations, collect environmental data and develop scientific, green and digital competences through real-world learning experiences.
- 3. VET institutions, environmental organisations and local communities that will benefit from open educational resources, innovative learning approaches and opportunities for environmental awareness and cooperation.