Teaching materials tested in a nationwide pilot project in 2014. The project continued into the 2014/15 school term, engaging classrooms across Germany and the United States.

The Going Green project brings together classrooms in Germany and the United States through a shared commitment to sustainability education. At its heart lies a blended-learning approach that combines traditional classroom instruction with dynamic online collaboration. Students and teachers engage with carefully developed teaching materials that explore environmental topics from both local and global perspectives, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding in every lesson.

What makes the project unique is its emphasis on authentic cooperation between learners on both sides of the Atlantic. Rather than simply studying sustainability in isolation, students discuss and exchange ideas with peers in partner schools, gaining firsthand insight into how environmental challenges and solutions differ across cultures. This dialogue deepens the learning experience and helps young people see themselves as part of a larger international community working toward common goals.

The curriculum draws on the CLIL framework, integrating content and language learning so that students strengthen their English skills while engaging with meaningful subject matter. Topics range from renewable energy and responsible consumption to biodiversity and climate action, all presented through accessible, thoughtfully structured materials. Teachers receive comprehensive support to implement the lessons effectively, regardless of their prior experience with environmental education or blended-learning formats.

A nationwide pilot project conducted in 2014 put the materials to the test in real classrooms across Germany. Feedback from participating teachers and students helped refine the resources, ensuring they are practical, engaging, and adaptable to different learning environments. The success of that pilot phase laid a strong foundation for the project's continued growth into the following school year and beyond, confirming the value of the approach.

The project operates through a dedicated Moodle platform that serves as the central hub for all activities. Here, learners access course content, submit assignments, and connect with their transatlantic partners in a secure, moderated online space. The platform is designed to be intuitive and welcoming, with clear navigation and a supportive structure that encourages regular participation without overwhelming teachers or students with technical complexity.

Collaboration with institutional partners and educational practitioners has been essential to the project's development. Contributors from universities, including Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, and organizations such as Life e.V. and the Explorarium network have lent their expertise to shape the pedagogical vision. The involvement of the U.S. Embassy underscores the diplomatic and cultural significance of fostering German-American dialogue through shared educational endeavors.

Teachers who join the project become part of a growing network of practitioners dedicated to innovative sustainability education. The program encourages partner schools to deepen their existing transatlantic relationships or establish new ones, creating lasting bonds that extend beyond the duration of a single school term. Regular exchanges of ideas and classroom experiences help build a collaborative professional community that benefits educators as much as students.

The Going Green initiative also features a competitive element designed to motivate and celebrate student achievement. Participating classes can take part in challenges that showcase their learning and creativity, with recognition awarded for outstanding contributions. These friendly competitions add an extra layer of engagement and help sustain momentum throughout the school year, giving students a tangible goal to work toward together.

Looking ahead, the project continues to welcome new schools and classrooms eager to explore sustainability through international cooperation. Enrollment typically opens in the late summer, with the main activities running through the autumn and winter months. Teachers interested in participating are encouraged to explore the website for further details and to consider how the Going Green framework might enrich their own classroom practice in the coming school year.