On March 3, 2025, CM1-CM2 students from Alain-Colas school took part in an educational activity focused on water quality at the scenic Saint-Enogat beach. Accompanied by Cécile Collet, the environmental and language educator from the Escale Bretagne association, the students engaged in practical learning about the quality of water as part of the school’s Marine Educational Area project.
The outing allowed the students to employ water analysis tests, using strips and reagents to gauge various water characteristics. This hands-on investigation followed their previous visit to the Dinard wastewater treatment plant, where they learned about the lifecycle of domestic water—from its source to treatment facilities. Collet emphasized the significance of this continuity by stating, "C'est la continuité d'un travail déjà effectué en amont," reminding students about the entire water circuit: it is pumped from rivers, treated at purification plants, stored at water towers, and finally distributed to homes before undergoing final treatment.
Equipped with boots for the excursion, the students collected seawater samples from the nearby beach. Their main goal was to measure the acidity level of the seawater, with the pH level ideally sitting around 8. This environmental exploration directly correlates with pressing discussions around the effects of climate change.
Upon returning to their classroom, the students prepared to test the seawater's pH levels. Water quality is increasingly becoming alarming amid changes attributed to global warming. Retired geologist Bruno Caline, who joined the students on this educational adventure, highlighted the current situation, explaining, "C'est l'une des conséquences du réchauffement climatique," pointing to the increasing acidity of sea waters as one of the many consequences affected by climate patterns.
This initiative not only instilled practical skills for analyzing water quality but also raised awareness about environmental issues among the young students. Understanding the broader impact of climate change on natural resources is imperative, as the lessons learned during the field trip extend beyond the classroom, preparing future generations to address these urgent environmental challenges.
Through projects like this, the young learners not only grasp the scientific aspects but also engage emotionally with their surroundings, fostering stewardship for the planet. By gaining insights through hands-on experiences, these students are equipped to take meaningful actions as they grow.
This collaborative approach to education—combining fieldwork, water science, and discussions on its environmental significance—will likely instill lasting impressions on the students. Identifying and analyzing the water's quality is not just about science; it reflects their role as stewards of the earth, linking their education with real-world issues.
The efforts made by Cécile Collet and the involvement of local experts like Bruno Caline offer invaluable support to the students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These students’ inquiries and discoveries today serve as building blocks for their future learning and responsibilities as environmentally conscious individuals.