Anita Tathe and Pallavi Iyer recently attended a teacher capacity building workshop under the Cologne International Forum for Innovative Tandem collaboration conducted by Bharati Vidyapeeth deemed University Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER) and University of Cologne, Germany on 6-7th April, 2026. The 2-day intensive workshop titled Microplastics in a warming world: From Awareness to Action was a thoughtfully designed program that effectively balanced theoretical learning with hands-on laboratory work.
It began by building awareness about the sources, pathways, and impacts of microplastics in our environment and daily lives, through simple activities. The discussions led by Dr. Shamita Kumar (principal, BVIEER) and her team of researchers emphasized the scale and urgency of this invisible threat, linking it to ecological and human health concerns. The lab sessions were particularly engaging, allowing participants to observe and identify microplastic particles, making the issue tangible. This experiential component understanding and reinforced key concepts. The facilitators encouraged critical thinking about consumption patterns and waste management. The session ended with suggestions for projects that could be implemented at a school-wide level and possible ideas for student-led research.
The workshop was impactful and interactive, leaving participants more informed and motivated to act responsibly.
