Geoschools Final Meeting – Outdoor Education and Climate Action

Staff and board members of GeoCamp Iceland took part in the final meeting of the Erasmus+ Geoschools Project in Afyon, Turkey on 11 - 13 March 2025. The meeting brought together educators and geoscientists from Iceland, Poland, Romania, and Turkey. Over the course of three days, participants reflected on the project’s impact, shared best practices, and explored how outdoor education—especially through geoparks and place-based learning—can help inspire climate action in schools.

​At GeoCamp Iceland, we believe that education should be immersive, hands-on, and deeply connected to the natural world. This philosophy was at the heart of our involvement in the Geoschools Project, where we worked alongside international partners to create new educational tools, lesson plans, and field-based learning experiences that integrate geoscience with sustainability and climate awareness.

Moving Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Geoschools Project was developed to address one of the biggest challenges in climate education—the disconnect between knowledge and action. Too often, climate change is taught in isolation, as abstract theories in a classroom. But as we see in Iceland, climate change is a real, observable phenomenon, shaping the landscapes around us. From the retreating glaciers to active volcanic eruptions, Iceland serves as a living laboratory where students can witness environmental changes firsthand.

Our work within Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark has shown that when students experience science in action, they not only understand the concepts more deeply but also feel empowered to make a difference. Through the Geoschools Project, we applied this same philosophy on a broader scale, working with partners to create field-based educational experiences that can be replicated in geoparks and natural areas across Europe.

A Collaborative Effort for Geoscience Education

The final meeting in Afyon was an opportunity to assess the project’s achievements and discuss its long-term impact. The event began with a conference on innovative teaching methods for climate change, hosted at Afyon Kocatepe University. Here, we presented our experiences from Iceland, showcasing how geoparks can serve as powerful educational environments.

Throughout the conference, the project partners shared their experiences of using geoparks, geological formations, and local landscapes as outdoor classrooms. In his keynote presentation, Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland, emphasized the need for place-based learningin climate education. He highlighted how outdoor experiences—whether studying volcanic activity, analyzing rock formations, or visiting renewable energy sites—allow students to connect science with real-world challenges. Drawing on Iceland’s sustainable energy model, he demonstrated how education can help young people understand both the problems of climate change and the solutions that exist today.

Exploring Kula Geopark: A Model for Outdoor Learning

The second day of the meeting took participants to Kula Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark, a stunning natural site known for its volcanic landscapes, basaltic columns, and rich geological diversity. This excursion was a reminder of why geoparks are ideal environments for teaching Earth sciences.

During a guided walking tour, participants explored Kula’s famous Fairy Chimneys, learning how these rock formations were shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. The visit reinforced the project’s central idea, to encourage teachers to collaborate with local natural sites—whether geoparks, nature reserves, or heritage sites—to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. As seen in Turkey, these collaborations not only enrich science education but also foster a sense of environmental responsibility among students.

A Lasting Impact on Climate Education

As we wrap up the Geoschools project, there is a shared understanding that while this was the final project meeting, it was just the beginning of a much larger effort to redefine how climate education is taught in schools.

At GeoCamp Iceland, we remain committed to empowering educators with the tools they need to bring science to life. The Geoschools Project has reaffirmed what we have always believed--that the best way to teach about our planet is to experience it firsthand.

We encourage teachers everywhere to look beyond textbooks and classrooms and to embrace the power of outdoor education. Whether through geoparks, nature reserves, or even local green spaces, the opportunities for immersive, hands-on learning are endless.

By integrating geosciences with sustainability and climate action, we can inspire the next generation of environmental leaders, ensuring that students not only understand the science behind climate change but also feel equipped to take action.

As we move forward, we look forward to expanding our network of educators, scientists, and schools that share our vision for a more engaging and impactful approach to climate education.

Because education should not just inform—it should inspire.