Project Overview
The CircleCoLab project is structured around five interconnected work packages that jointly address objectives, implementation, and long-term use of results.
Work Package 1 relates to project management.
Work Package 2 focuses on the development of a competence-based framework for primary and secondary education, integrating Service-Learning, Maker Education, and Circular Economy principles. The framework is developed through research, stakeholder engagement, and validation processes and serves as a shared reference for curriculum development and classroom implementation.
Work Package 3 concentrates on capacity building and training through the co-development and testing of a student-centred curriculum. The curriculum consists of five modules covering circular design and sustainability, design thinking and Service-Learning, STEAM-based circular innovation, community engagement, and an activity bank with ready-to-use classroom activities. Educators are trained to implement the curriculum in real classroom settings, and pilot activities involve at least 100 students working on circular economy–related challenges. The curriculum is refined based on pilot feedback and translated to support use across partner countries.
Work Package 4 addresses sustainability and long-term integration. It includes the development of a sustainability plan, mentoring structures for teachers, international knowledge exchange formats, and the establishment of CircleCoLab Clubs supporting student-led sustainability activities. Facilitation guidelines and digital collaboration spaces support continued use beyond the project duration.
Work Package 5 focuses on communication and dissemination. It includes a structured dissemination strategy, an online resource hub providing open access to project results, national and transnational multiplier events, and a final conference. The sustainability and exploitation plan aims to support the integration of project outcomes into educational practice and policy contexts.
Timeline and Expected Outcomes
The project runs for 24 months, from September 2025 to August 2027.
The project timeline links framework development, curriculum design, educator training, classroom piloting, and dissemination activities across the full project duration. Expected outcomes include:
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- a validated competence-based framework
- a tested and translated curriculum integrating Circular Economy, Maker Education, and Service-Learning
- trained educators and classroom pilot projects
- openly accessible digital resources
- documented results disseminated through events and networks
Through this structure, CircleCoLabs ensures that project results are tested in practice, documented, and made available for continued use beyond the funding period.