This year GeoCamp Iceland took part in a series of workshops in Denmark for science teachers focusing on STEM subjects and outdoor education in Geoparks. The project was managed by the Association of Municipalities of Suðurnes (SSS) and funded by the Erasmus+ Education Programme of the European Union, and enabled teachers to travel to Denmark on a week-long trip, where they gained ideas on how to use outdoor learning within the Reykjanes Geopark to make science education more engaging and integrate additional STEM projects into their teaching. “It was very interesting to see the endless supply of educational resources funded by companies. The opportunities available to student groups in Denmark for field trips and educational activities with their teachers is something we would love to see in Iceland.” Drífa Thorstensen, Háaleitisskóli in Reykjanesbær A total of 18 teachers from 11 primary schools in the region took part in two trips to Denmark, focusing on STEM education and outdoor learning, as well as building a network of science teachers and strengthening connections between schools across municipalities. “What I am taking home with me are the connections I made with colleagues in the area, which will definitely benefit our work. I came back inspired and excited, and I’m already talking more about science in my classes.” Guðrún Kristín Ragnarsdóttir, Stóru-Vogaskóli in Vogar As part of the study trips, the groups visited schools and educational institutions in Denmark, and gained insight into the educational work within two different geoparks: Odsherred Geopark and Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. In addition to learning how teaching can take place in connection with geoparks, the participants gained insight into the role of geoparks in the local community. Odsherred Geopark, for example, is known for its strong collaboration with residents and schools, offering robust outdoor learning and a variety of STEM projects. “My impression is that students and their families often travel far to experience Iceland and the beauty and wonders our country has to offer. I believe that with targeted education and promotion aimed at families in Reykjanes and the capital area, we could attract more families for day trips around Reykjanes or to specific sites within it.” Haraldur Haraldsson, Akurskóli in Reykjanesbær The first trip took place in March 2024 and began with a visit to the Experimentarium museum in Copenhagen, where teachers tried a wide range of interactive projects designed to spark young people’s curiosity in science. The group then visited the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, where they were introduced to the Natural Science Research Centre (FNUG) and how it supports schools and teachers in implementing STEM teaching practices. The group also visited Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav and explored their methods for connecting with local residents and schools in southern Funen. The main visit was to Odsherred Geopark, where the park’s geologists explained and demonstrated how they engage students with practical outdoor learning. The trip concluded with the group’s participation in the Big Bang conference in Odense, an annual conference for science, outdoor learning, and STEM teachers in Denmark. "On the final day, we participated in the Big Bang conference, which featured a large exhibition where companies and institutions showcased their educational materials. There was also a wide variety of presentations and discussion groups to choose from. The conference was the cherry on top; we returned home with our heads and suitcases full of new ideas, teaching methods, and tools that will influence my teaching in the future." Hildur Sigfúsdóttir, Heiðarskóli in Reykjanesbær The second trip took place in August 2024, starting with the group’s participation in the Knowledge Forum at the Suðurnes Knowledge Centre. As before, the main visit was to Odsherred Geopark, where the group received an in-depth introduction to field trips and sites within the geopark suited to outdoor teaching in subjects such as geology, history, and natural science. Near the geopark is Holbæks Grønne Lunge, a green area that is used extensively by schools for science education. “For students to become passionate about science, teaching needs to be interesting, and more time should be devoted to this kind of learning. I believe that the greatest benefit for students is when the teacher is enthusiastic about the subject matter and listens to the students and their opinions.” Guðrún Ósk Gunnlaugsdóttir, Sandgerðisskóli in Suðurnesjabær The group then visited Science Talenter in the medieval town of Sorø, where they participated in a full-day workshop on diverse STEM projects in collaboration with teachers and scientists. Participants also had the opportunity to search for fossils on a field trip to nearby limestone quarries. Lastly, the outdoor learning teachers from the geopark in Southern Funen welcomed the group, where they covered education on forestry, plant life, and local wildlife. “This trip has encouraged new ways of making STEM subjects more accessible and engaging for students, with an interdisciplinary approach combining environmental awareness and scientific inquiry.” Brynja Stefánsdóttir, Stapaskóli in Reykjanesbær Participants agree that these two teacher study trips from Reykjanes to Denmark have already provided useful and interesting ideas that are highly relevant to classrooms in Reykjanes primary schools. Participants feel that these study trips help strengthen networks among teachers across Reykjanes schools, especially as science teachers are often the only one of their kind in their school. These trips have laid the foundation for a formal network of STEM teachers in Reykjanes, enabling them to continue sharing knowledge, ideas, best practices, and teaching materials with one another. The project has already impacted the school community in Reykjanes, with the teachers who participated actively preparing for and implementing the UNESCO school initiative in Reykjanes. “This was more than just a journey; it was invaluable inspiration for the science teaching community in Reykjanes. Not only in terms of new ideas and methods, but also this valuable network that will continue to support all of these teachers. Projects like this are an absolute boost to the school community in Reykjanes.” Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir, Project Manager of Educational Affairs, Reykjanes Geopark and GeoCamp Iceland
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