On 5 September 2026, ECECT participated in an educational STEAM event at the Cyprus Planetarium, where it delivered an interactive workshop linked primarily to the SOIL-XR project.

The activity focused on helping participants better understand the importance of soil health, biodiversity, erosion and environmental monitoring through practical demonstrations and simple experiments. Rather than presenting soil only as a surface for agriculture, the workshop introduced it as a complex and living ecosystem that supports biodiversity, stores water, provides nutrients and contributes to wider environmental resilience.

Participants explored what can be found beneath the soil surface and discussed the role of microorganisms and other forms of soil life. The workshop also demonstrated how erosion occurs and why the loss of topsoil can affect ecosystems, agricultural productivity and the long-term condition of the land.

A strong technological element was incorporated into the session. Participants used soil-moisture sensors and micro:bit technology to observe how digital tools can measure environmental conditions and help us better understand soil behaviour. This practical component allowed participants to connect environmental concepts with real monitoring methods used in agriculture and environmental management.

The workshop encouraged discussion around questions such as why healthy soils matter, how biodiversity contributes to soil quality and how technology can help monitor environmental change. By combining environmental science with experimentation and digital tools, the activity aimed to make soil-related topics more accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Through activities in Cyprus and Italy, SOIL-XR works to bring soil knowledge closer to students, educators, researchers and local communities, while encouraging greater understanding of soil health, sustainability and regenerative practices.

🔗 Learn more about the project: https://www.soilxr.eu/