On October 13 and 14, about sixty teachers from 22 middle and high schools across the academies of Paris, Créteil, and Versailles convened to launch the new edition of the Île-de-France inter-academic project (PIA). For the second consecutive year, this project focuses on soils, a discreet yet crucial resource for biodiversity. A significant new development this year is the integration of the PIA into the European project EARTH-LIFE, co-financed by the European Union under the LIFE program.
The first day commenced with a conference by the French Association for Soil Science (AFES), highlighting the richness and fragility of this living environment. Teachers then worked on aligning their projects with the competencies framework for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The afternoon was dedicated to hands-on activities, including observing soil biological quality with the Office for Insects and their Environment, experimenting with the participatory science protocol Appétisol from the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), and exploring the Doc Terre workshop by the Office for Climate Education and the Soil Fresco by ADEME.
The second day, held at La Générale, fostered sharing and debate. Teams from the previous year recounted their successes and challenges during a round table, offering valuable feedback to newcomers. A "Pitch-moi ton projet" speed-dating session allowed institutions to present and refine their ideas, sketching out potential collaborations. In the afternoon, a forum of educational tools enabled teachers to interact directly with partners and discover games and resources to take back to their classrooms, providing concrete avenues for engaging students with the topic of soils.
The next training session is scheduled for January 15, 2027, at the MNHN, focusing on the theme of environment-health in collaboration with PRSE 4. This day will provide an opportunity for teachers to review their project progress and learn about the links between environment, health, and soils.
DRIEAT Île-de-France extends its sincere thanks to the academies of Créteil, Versailles, and Paris, as well as its partners: the European Union, the Region Île-de-France, OCE, AFES, MNHN, ADEME, ARS, and ARB, and all individuals involved in organizing this event.
