AIAS-AUFF Fellow Christian M. Appendini studies marine environments and coastal hazards and how the brown macroalgae ’sargassum’ affects the coast of Mexico to develop an early warning system for coastal management and protection. 

Part of Appendini’s project at AIAS is citizen’s science, e.g. to foster local engagement and resilience by incorporating citizen science and outreach activities in order to include the communities affected by sargassum as active participants in research. 

At the “First Meeting of Schools on Project-Based Learning on Sargassum (ABP-Sargazo): Building Networks” in Cozumel in Mexico, participants gathered from seven educational institutions with a total of 32 attendees, including teachers, students and environmental stakeholders. 

Activities discussed at this meeting ranged from experimental work with sargassum and development of bioproducts to community outreach and environmental awareness initiatives. The work done by the schools highlighted how real-world environmental challenges can be integrated into classroom learning through hands-on, context-based approaches.

Adressing potentials and the challenges

Discussions during the meeting emphasized both the potential and the challenges of implementing such initiatives. While project-based learning proved effective in fostering critical thinking, collaboration and environmental awareness, participants also identified barriers such as limited curricular time, logistical constraints for field activities, and the need for additional teaching resources.

Strengthening environmental education

The initiative aligns with broader educational frameworks in Mexico, where Appendini is based, particularly the principles of the Nueva Escuela Mexicana, by promoting situated learning and stronger links between schools and their communities. 

Christian M. Appendini notes about the activities:

“This meeting was important for establishing a foundation for building a collaborative network among schools and researchers that ultimately aims at strengthening environmental education and supporting future efforts to better understand and respond to sargassum impacts at the local level.”

Contact

Christian Appendini, AIAS-AUFF Fellow & Professor at Engineering Institute UNAM, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
E-mail: cma@aias.au.dk

Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, AIAS
Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B
DK-8000 Aarhus C
Denmark