Natural Sciences (biology, physics, chemistry) development of subject-specific competencies of teachers and students through the study of green learning environments

The initiator of this project is the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, which has brought together a group of 13 regional and national parks as partners, including Anykščiai Regional Park. While implementing the project, scientists and natural science teachers from the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, together with their students, as well as researchers from protected areas and representatives of educational centers, will study the environment, create models, discuss issues of nature protection and sustainable development, and develop and test natural research methodologies. Green learning environments inspire teachers of natural sciences to look at the environment with a new perspective and apply educational content in nature as often as possible. After all, nature is a special space for integrated natural science education, and learning in nature is beneficial. The project consists of 3 sessions. In mid-May, the first training sessions of the project took place in Anykščiai Regional Park. Biology, chemistry and physics teachers not only from Anykščiai, but also from Ukmergė, Rokiškis, Zarasai, and Kupiškis districts participated in the training.

For the second time – on September 27 – teachers gathered again at the Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Center! The training provided a unique opportunity for educators teaching different disciplines to work together in nature.

Only biology teachers often teach lessons in nature – after all, it is related to plants and animals. It is really difficult for a physicist to figure out how to conduct a lesson not in a laboratory, but in natural nature. But pine cones fall – and they obey the laws of physics! And how far and at what speed does a dandelion fly? And how can a chemistry teacher apply the knowledge of natural sciences? We are learning all this during this project, and the teachers also have homework assignments waiting for them, so that we can share new thoughts and ideas when we meet again in the spring!

„I have chosen nature as my ruler, the teacher of all teachers." (Leonardo da Vinci);
„While observing this miracle (nature), get to know yourself..“ (Blezas. Paskalis).

We wish that nature teachers will learn not only about nature, but also about themselves with the help of this project.