Welcome to SUTEE!
Showcasing Urban Trees for Environmental Education with
IoT Technology. SUTEE is an ERASMUS+ Strategic Cooperation Partnership in the field of school education project.
The Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) organized in Vienna, Austria as part of the SUTEE (Showcasing Urban Trees for Environmental Education with IoT Technology) project has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants across Europe. Held in May 2025, the event successfully brought together educators, trainers, and environmental advocates in an immersive, collaborative learning experience focused on climate awareness and innovative teaching through technology.
Inspiration Across Borders
Educators praised the workshop not only for its content but also for the spirit of international collaboration. One participant noted:
“It was a wonderful experience to see how teachers from across Europe are enthusiastic about innovative approaches to teaching, especially in the context of climate change and the role of trees in urban environments.”
Another highlighted the value of exchanging ideas with peers from different educational systems, emphasizing how this diversity of perspectives enriched the experience.
After a brief introduction to the SUTEE competence framework, which merges the European digital competence and green frameworks, the teachers engaged in some hands-on activities that were aimed at inspiring their learning designs.
One of the easier activities, suited for primary education, was to measure the circumference of trees. This is generally achieved one meter above the ground. Our teachers used different ways to come to a measurement, utilising a tape measure, wooly string, and sticky tape.
Figure 1. Training venue.
Hands-On Learning and Experimentation
A standout element of the LTTA was the experimental and inquiry-based learning approach. Participants had the opportunity to test the SUTEE IoT prototype and sensors, including soil moisture detectors and air quality tools, during excursions in Vienna. This practical aspect was especially appreciated:
“The experimental procedure during the excursions and the hands-on use of sensors really deepened my understanding of the topic.”
The activity in Seestadt Aspern, a modern urban development focused on sustainability, left a lasting impression, showcasing an alternative side of Vienna that embodies climate-friendly urban planning.
Technology That Empowers Learning
The integration of technology in environmental education was highlighted as one of the project’s most valuable contributions. Participants appreciated the SUTEE framework, the mobile app, and the IBL (Inquiry-Based Learning) template as tangible tools that can be applied directly in their classrooms.
“These are everyday tools that can make learning about environmental awareness more interesting and valuable for both teachers and students.”
Collaboration and Community Building
The workshop succeeded in building a harmonious and collaborative environment, where participants felt engaged and empowered. Teachers reported feeling inspired by the high level of participant interaction, the project co-creation activities, and the shared motivation to innovate education.
“It opened up many possibilities of new activities and projects to use with my students, as well as improving my own knowledge and building new partnerships.”
A Lasting Impact
From the exchange of ideas to the testing of educational tools, the Vienna LTTA left participants with a sense of purpose, practical resources, and a strong European network. As one teacher summarized:
“Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this project – the contributions were inspiring and exciting. I can’t wait to test the soil moisture sensor in practice!”
The success of the Vienna LTTA is a testament to the power of collaborative, hands-on, and tech-enhanced education in fostering environmental awareness. It marks another important step forward in the SUTEE project’s mission to transform how students and teachers engage with sustainability in the classroom and beyond.
Figure 2. Training participants and organizers.
