On this page you will find dissemination materials that you are free to download and share.
1. The Nitrogen Paradox – an educational toolkit for fun science-outreach activities
The educational toolkit was designed by the association Les Petits Débrouillards Occitanie, as part of the European H2020 research project MSCA-RISE ″Integrated Nitrogen Studies in Africa″ (INSA). The project is led and coordinated by the Aerology Laboratory of the Midi Pyrénées Observatory at the University of Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier (UT3).
The INSA project focuses on analysing the various aspects of the nitrogen balance in Africa, by bringing together the expertise of European and African researchers in different fields of environmental and social sciences related to the study of nitrogen.
The educational toolkit explores nitrogen and its role in the environment. It also presents the advantages associated with nitrogen use in agriculture, as well as the harmful consequences that can result from unwise management.
The aim of this tool is to make it easier to initiate scientific activities by providing step-by-step teaching plans for one or more experimental and participatory sessions. The activities in the kit are suitable for all ages from 10 upwards.
The kit is made up of three sessions, each lasting approximately 3 hours and divided into several activities. Each activity is designed to be a stand-alone module that can be offered independently, allowing for tailor-made interventions.
Each session is compiled in a booklet with appendices. A colour code makes it easy to identify which session each piece of content belongs to, and all the appendices are numbered for easy identification. The appendices have been designed to be photocopied and cut out when necessary. At the end of these three sessions, it is possible to set up a brainstorming session on nitrogen losses to the environment, for example in the form of a moving debate.
The toolkit is available here in both English and French.
All the content was designed and tested during two outreach missions to schools in Côte d’Ivoire in 2022 and Kenya in 2023.
Educational design : Alexandre Eissautier
Written by: The Petits Débrouillards Occitanie Haute-Garonne team
Graphic design : mmm collectif, Toulouse
Acknowledgements: The team of mediators who were mobilised in Africa, Clem Samson, Alexandre Eissautier, Etienne Roussée and Octave Buliard; the INSA project research coordination team; and Alana Moore for translating the kit into English.
2. INSA Project brief
Available in both English and French.
3. The INSA flyer
Available in both English and French.
