ESA title
Group picture of the students at the Climate Detectives Summit in ESRIN
Agency

Climate Detectives 2026–2027: Registration now open

07/09/2026 60 views 1 likes
ESA / Education / Teachers' Corner

Looking for an inspiring way to engage your students with climate and environmental topics? Join the Climate Detectives 2026–2027 school project and support your students as they explore real environmental challenges using real Earth observation data. By taking part, students develop scientific thinking, strengthen key skills, and connect classroom learning with real-world issues affecting our planet. 

The project offers different levels of complexity: 

Climate Detectives Kids – for teams of younger learners (recommended for 5 to 13 years old) to complete fun, hands-on activities and earn badges. 
Climate Detectives Teens  – for teams of older students (recommended for 14 to 19 years old) to carry out their own research project. 

Register now and bring real-world science into your classroom! 

Why join Climate Detectives as a teacher or educator?

Project of team Samos’ Dedectives (Greece) designing a vegetable garden to understand the production process of crops and how the ecosystem works.
Project of team Samos’ Dedectives (Greece) designing a vegetable garden to understand the production process of crops and how the ecosystem works.

In Climate Detectives Kids students will: 

  • Build important skills and competencies, including teamwork, initiative, and problem-solving  
  • Take part in a variety of Earth science activities that spark curiosity and help them better understand our planet’s systems and environmental challenges  
  • Boost their motivation and enjoyment in learning about the environment through engaging activities, while earning ESA Climate Detectives badges and certificates that recognise their achievements  
  • Develop a sense of care and responsibility for the planet by linking scientific discovery to real-world environmental issues in an enjoyable and accessible way 
Team Team The Pastra Clue Hunters assessing the climatic and environmental impacts of the 2021 wildfire in southern Kefalonia using satellite data.
Team Team The Pastra Clue Hunters assessing the climatic and environmental impacts of the 2021 wildfire in southern Kefalonia using satellite data.

In Climate Detectives Teens students will: 

  • Develop critical thinking and digital skills while taking an active role in shaping a more sustainable future  
  • Strengthen their understanding of STEM subjects through an engaging investigation connected to space and Earth observation  
  • Build essential competencies such as teamwork, initiative, and problem-solving  
  • Gain inspiration through exchanges with real Earth science experts  
  • Learn in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and creativity, while helping them grow in confidence and maintain a lasting interest in STEM and environmental topics  
  • Have the chance to take part in an international ESA event, meet peers from across Europe, and broaden their academic and career perspectives 

What is Climate Detectives?

Climate Detectives is a free educational project run by ESA and the national European Space Education Resource Offices (ESERO). As Climate Detectives, students dive into Earth Sciences to explore important topics such as climate change, wildfires, floods, extreme weather, sustainable living, biodiversity, air quality, oceans, forests, and much more. 

Climate Detectives Kids: Complete activities, collect evidence and earn badges

Team Margarit@s Espiciencia designing and constructing of beehives using sustainable materials to improve bee welfare in the face
Team Margarit@s Espiciencia designing and constructing of beehives using sustainable materials to improve bee welfare in the face

Climate Detectives Kids is designed for younger students (recommended for ages 5 to 13 years old), offering engaging, hands-on activities to explore a variety of environmental topics. Using the provided educational materials, students can investigate concepts such as the difference between weather and climate, and why the Earth has seasons. Teachers and educators are welcome to introduce their own activities as well. Along the way, students can earn badges for completing activities, a certificate of participation, and see their work displayed in the Climate Detectives Kids online gallery. 

Learn more here: Climate Detectives Kids 

Climate Detectives Teens: Investigate an Earth environmental problem

Using satellite data and field observations, Team Elassona Youth (Greece) studied how climate change over the last decade has impacted the habitat and movements of wild goats on Mount Olympus.
Using satellite data and field observations, Team Elassona Youth (Greece) studied how climate change over the last decade has impacted the habitat and movements of wild goats on Mount Olympus.

Climate Detectives Teens is aimed at older students (recommended for ages 14 to 19 years old) and invites them to investigate a local environmental issue of their choice, such as climate, pollution, or biodiversity. Working in teams, students follow the scientific method to define a research question, collect and analyse data , including real satellite imagery and Earth observation data, and share their findings with the Climate Detectives community. The platform also provides helpful resources, such as mini case studies and digital tools, and every submitted project is featured in the dedicated online gallery. 

Learn more here:  Climate Detectives Teens  

Check out our FAQ's to learn more about both complexity levels. 

How to apply?

Participation is open to students aged up to 19 years old from ESA Member States,  Associate Members and Canada. The projects may be submitted by registered teachers or educators. 

Special reward for selected Climate Detectives Teens national teams

Students engaging in inspirational activities during the Climate Detective Summit in ESRIN, Italy.
Students engaging in inspirational activities during the Climate Detective Summit in ESRIN, Italy.

By taking part in Climate Detectives Teens 2026–2027, teams have the opportunity to be selected for a special reward: a visit to ESA’s Earth Observation Centre (ESRIN) in Italy for the Climate Detectives Summit, an educational celebration event taking place in May/June 2027. This exciting experience gives selected teams the chance to visit an ESA site, connect with other participants, present a poster about their project, and join inspiring Earth observation activities and career-focused sessions. Participating teams will be selected nationally by their ESERO*. 

Key Dates: 

  • Official kick-off Climate Detectives 2026-2027: 8 September 2026 (in some countries, registration may open earlier or later. Check the specific timeline for your country on the website.) 
  • Climate Detectives Summit at ESRIN (for national selected Climate Detectives Teens teams only): May/June 2027 

For full project details and to get started visit: Climate Detectives 

*Please be aware that your ESERO may have additional requirements.