Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Malta: Students Cultivate Pollinator Gardens in Gozo
GLOBE
Malta students from eight schools on the island of Gozo spent their
most recent school year participating in hands-on learning experiences
to better understand the vital role of bees in pollination and food
production. The citizen science initiative highlighted the importance
of pollinators, particularly bees, in maintaining biodiversity and
ecosystem health. Participating schools transformed their school
grounds into pollinator-friendly environments. Students, ages 7–12
years, planted a variety of flowers, shrubs, and herbs to attract bees
and other pollinators. They also monitored bee activity, recorded
sightings, and analyzed biodiversity changes over time. Using
scientific methods with GLOBE Atmosphere and Pedosphere protocols,
students conducted experiments on plant growth, pollination rates, and
habitat preferences, contributing valuable data to the project.
Beyond gardening and data collection, each school organized actions to further engage students and the extended school community. These included workshops on beekeeping, visits from local environmental experts, and educational outings to nature reserves. Schools also hosted awareness campaigns, art projects, and presentations to highlight the importance of pollinators and the threats they face.
Samples of student artwork
The project encouraged students to take an active role in environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable practices in their schools and communities. By learning about pollinators through direct observation and research, students developed a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the need to protect natural habitats.
In addition, the project was embedded across the curriculum, integrating a range of subjects to provide a holistic learning experience. Schools shared their project progress with each other via Padlet, an online collaboration tool.
Screenshot of Padlet used during the project
The project was a huge success with students, who engaged in hands-on activities, outdoor education, creative writing, art, dance, and most of all doing science—STEAM in action. Students from Gozo College, Peter Paul Grech Primary School, Kercem, took it further by completing a scientific investigation and submitting their research report to the IVSS. They also shared their findings at the Best of Europe and Eurasia Students Conference and were awarded the Scientific Inquiry Award.
In the project report Buzzing GLOBE Schools: Empowering Young Minds Through Nature and Science, participating school share highlights from their journey, showcasing their creative and scientific contributions. This includes poems and posters to raise awareness about the importance of bees among readers of all ages.
Participating Schools
Gozo College, Agius de Soldanis Middle School, Victoria; Gozo College, Ġużè Aquilina Primary and Special Unit, Sannat’; Gozo College, Karmni Grima Primary School, Għarb; Gozo College, Mons. Giovanni Andrea Vella Primary School, Żebbuġ; Gozo College, Peter Paul Grech Primary School, Kerċem; Gozo College, Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School, Victoria; Laura Vicuña Primary School, Għasri; and St. Francis Primary School, Victoria
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Mr. Yashraj Patil, assistant professor at SNJB’s Late Sau. Kantabai Bhavarlalji Jain College of Engineering, India, for writing “Buzzing into the Storyworld of Bees” and to EUROPE DIRECT Gozo for supporting GLOBE Malta.
Learn more about GLOBE Malta.
Story contributed by Ramona Mercieca, GLOBE Deputy Coordinator for Malta