Ripples of Knowledge Kicks-off in Latvia

Our team has just returned from a wonderful trip to Latvia, where the first meeting of the Nordplus Junior project “Ripples of Knowledge: STREAM-Based Outdoor Education for a Greener Tomorrow” (NPJR-2025/10213) took place. Hosted by Palsmane Elementary School, about two hours from Riga, we were warmly welcomed by students, teachers, and the local community.

The project brings together schools and organisations from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Iceland to co-create a base of STREAM lesson plans (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) that can be carried out outdoors within 500 metres of a school. These activities are designed to be simple, practical, and engaging — encouraging students to connect with nature, think creatively, and learn actively outside the classroom. All materials will be made available in an open-access database, supported by QR codes and digital tools .

For us at GeoCamp Iceland, the project builds directly on the experience we are colleting in the "Gárur á Reykjanesinu" project where we are mapping outdoor teaching ideas around every school in the Reykjanes Peninsula. This new Nordic-Baltic collaboration allows us to expand that work, test it in different countries, and bring home fresh inspiration for teachers and students in Reykjanes.

During the kick-off, participants shared ideas, tested activities, and explored STREAM-based outdoor learning together. Representing Reykjanes, three fantastic local teachers joined us: Brynja from Stapaskóli, Íris Vals from Sandgerðisskóli, and Íris Anna from Gerðaskóli. Their input and enthusiasm are key to making this project truly meaningful for our schools and communities.

The impact for Reykjanes will be significant. Teachers will gain new resources and training opportunities, schools will have access to innovative lesson plans, and our community will strengthen its reputation as a hub for outdoor education and sustainability learning. For GeoCamp, this project is another step in our mission to connect Icelandic nature and culture with international collaboration — using education as a tool for building a greener tomorrow.

We look forward to sharing more updates as the Ripples project unfolds, with upcoming mobilities in Estonia, Iceland, and Lithuania.