On 28 January 2024, GeoCamp Iceland hosted a training seminar as part of the HEDA project at the Sudurnes Science and Learning Centre, with 12 teachers participating — 8 attending in person from local regional schools and additional four joining the session online. The event introduced educators to the innovative HEDA methodology, which integrates arts-based approaches like theatre, literature, and visual arts to engage students with social and civic issues, aiming to enhance democratic values and critical thinking in classrooms.

The training focused on practical applications of the methodology, including workshops led by experienced educators who demonstrated how these techniques could foster meaningful discussions on topics such as human rights, environmental issues, and social justice. The GeoCamp Iceland team that participated in the LTTA training session in Athens led sessions exploring how the HEDA method could be applied within the Icelandic educational context. Participants experienced hands-on exercises, including role-playing and interactive discussions, which showcased how these creative methods can captivate students’ interest and encourage empathy and reflective thinking.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the relevance of arts-based techniques in making complex civic concepts accessible and engaging for students. Teachers noted that the HEDA methodology provided fresh strategies for classroom engagement, contrasting with traditional teaching methods. They also shared ideas on adapting the techniques to Icelandic curricula, particularly within subjects that address social and environmental issues.

The Icelandic seminar fostered a strong network among local educators, sparking discussions about future collaborations and potential project expansions. GeoCamp Iceland’s commitment to supporting participants in implementing the HEDA approach was reinforced through plans for follow-up sessions and continuous support, ensuring the methodology’s integration into Icelandic schools and contributing to the ongoing success and sustainability of the HEDA project.

For more information about the HEDA project please visit: www.heda-project.eu

The past year we've been fortunate to participate in an EEA funded project on implementing STEM education in Croatian schools. The project concluded with events, conferences and open days in all our partner schools, which brought the staff of GeoCamp Iceland for a final visit (for now) to Croatia.

During the project lifetime GeoCamp Iceland organized and arranged monthly online meetings and workshops with our partner schools in Croatia, aimed to enhance understanding of STEM in education as well as work with pedagogy and educational methods. We arranged four study visits for a total of close to 50 Croatian teachers to Iceland, and took part in similar workshops and meetings, bringing over twenty teachers and experts from Iceland to Croatia in four visits.

We thank our Croatian partners from OŠ Vladimir Nazor Budinščina, Osnovna škola Sibinjskih žrtava, OŠ Josipa Kozarca Lipovljani and OŠ "Vladimir Nazor" Đakovo for their dedication and commitment in the project, and for their warm welcome and generosity. We congratulate them on their achievements and the results in increasing interest and actively introduce STEM topics in Croatian education.