THE REVIVAL OF SERICULTURE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: CREATIVE LEARNING AND CLASSROOM IMPLEMENTATION IN GREECE

Abstract

One of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals is the promotion of open and sustainable industrialization and the encouragement of innovation. Inspired by Goal nine, we decided to implement a teaching scenario focusing on sericulture. Sericulture is the art of rearing silkworms for silk production and is considered a significant biological practice. This innovative program can be implemented in schools within the framework of Skills Labs or as part of School Activities programs. The purpose of this teaching scenario is to highlight the importance of silkworm breeding for producing silk threads or fabrics, to familiarize students with the concept of entrepreneurship, and to showcase its contribution to the rural development of our region. To develop this scenario, we employed the method of live observation of silkworm feeding and movement, group-based collaborative methods for creating silk cocoons by the students themselves, and focused on 21st-century skills. Additionally, theories of social learning and constructivism were applied. The implementation utilized visual, printed, and digital materials. It was concluded that, both during and after the scenario, students gained knowledge about sericulture, recognized its benefits on both a local and global scale, and developed a spirit of collaboration and healthy competition. They also enhanced their soft skills, which are essential for fostering a positive school environment.

Keywords: sericulture, silkworm, cocoon, entrepreneurship, biodiversity, education, primary school, STEAM, micro: bit in science education, programming

Ethics and Conflict of Interest

All ethical rules were observed at each stage of the research. The author declares that he acted in accordance with ethical rules in all processes of the research. The author declares that they do not have any conflict of interest with other persons, institutions or organizations.

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