Cărtior Aqua Lab

10 August, 2026

” Cărtior Aqua Lab” transforms the riverbank into an active exploration laboratory. The project begins with riverbank sanitation and aerial mapping with a drone to analyze the impact of waste. Students become field researchers: they collect samples wearing rubber boots, analyze microplastics under a microscope, and perform chemical tests under a mobile pavilion. The engineering component involves designing floating barriers to retain plastic, while biodiversity is documented through observations with binoculars and digital magnifying glasses. Students create documented posters and information panels for the observation point. The activities combine science with protecting local nature.

Cărtior Aqua Lab is an environmental STEM education project that transforms the Cartior River into an outdoor learning laboratory for students aged 10–15. The project aims to increase scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and engineering skills through hands-on investigation of local freshwater ecosystems.
Participants engage in authentic scientific practices, including riverbank clean-up activities, water and sediment sampling, biodiversity monitoring, microplastic detection, and environmental data collection. Students use scientific equipment such as microscopes, binoculars, digital magnifiers, and water-testing materials to better understand the ecological health of the river.
The project also introduces engineering and design thinking through the development and testing of floating barriers intended to capture plastic waste while protecting aquatic organisms. By combining science, technology, engineering, environmental education, and active citizenship, Cărtior Aqua Lab encourages young people to become informed and responsible stewards of their local environment.
The project is implemented by Asociația Edulifelong in partnership with local schools, environmental specialists, and community stakeholders, creating meaningful connections between formal education, scientific inquiry, and environmental action.

The “Cărtior Aqua Lab” project is carried out with the support of the Științescu Fund, the Vâlcea Community Foundation, the Federation of Community Foundations in Romania and the Romanian-American Foundation. For more details, please visit: https://valcea.stiintescu.ro

Educational milestones and impact:

The Cărtior Aqua Lab Project brought STEM education closer to nature through two main activities that involved students, teachers, and community members in exploring and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

May 2 2026

June 12 2026

The first workshop was organized within the SEEN FEST, where participants discovered the connection between science, technology and environmental protection through interactive activities dedicated to water quality, biodiversity and the impact of plastic pollution on local ecosystems. The festival provided the opportunity to present the project objectives to the general public and encourage active involvement in environmental protection.

The second workshop took place in Turcinești, on the banks of the Cărtior River, transforming nature into a true outdoor laboratory. Students participated in greening actions, collected water and sediment samples, analyzed microorganisms and possible microplastic particles, observed local biodiversity, and designed prototype barriers to capture plastic waste. The activity combined scientific research with engineering and environmental education, offering participants authentic inquiry-based learning experiences.

Through these activities, the project contributed to the development of STEM skills, critical thinking and civic spirit of the participants, demonstrating that environmental issues can become relevant and motivating contexts for learning. At the same time, the students had the opportunity to better understand local ecosystems and propose concrete solutions to reduce plastic pollution and protect biodiversity.