The OIKOS project aims provide a mechanism which will allow science teachers, education specialists and associated experts from across Europe to exchange ideas, techniques and methods for the supplementing of existing science curricula and educational strategy, in order to increase the attractiveness and relevance of Earth Science studies in schools and other learning contexts (formal and non-formal). The project will develop and test new methods and new training resources able to be applied in the teaching of Earth Sciences, taking into account a broad view of science and further reflecting upon the social and economic contexts. The project will develop a Virtual Community in which the target group is able to meet and exchange know-how and expertise; will introduce innovative didactical methodology based upon multimedia and software tools and will establish a thematic portal where all training tools and materials (freeware and open-source software) will be made available. Project beneficiaries include teachers of Earth Sciences in primary and secondary schools; trainers and other facilitators of Earth Sciences; Science Teachers, Science Professionals, Education Specialists and individual students. Dissemination activities will involve project participation in specialist seminars and workshops; the production of printed project materials; the release of articles to specialist press and a range of other networking activities.