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Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and GeoCamp Iceland had the pleasure of hosting the fourth Transnational Partner Meeting for the Erasmus+ Upcycling Project, held in the breathtaking setting of the Reykjanes Peninsula from 11-12 July 2024. Partners from across Europe gathered to discuss progress, share insights, and plan the next phases of our shared mission to promote creative education through upcycling.
The first day of the meeting took place at the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, where partners reviewed the project’s progress and delved into upcoming deliverables, focusing on how upcycling initiatives can be integrated into education systems.
During the second day the partners participated in a study tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region defined by its extraordinary geology and geothermal energy. Participants explored key landmarks, including the Garðskagi Lighthouse, and learned about the region’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into both education and tourism. The study tour offered a hands-on opportunity to see how Iceland’s natural resources are being preserved and showcased.
The meeting concluded with a strategic discussion about the next steps in the project. As we move forward, the Upcycling team remains dedicated to fostering creative solutions and sustainable practices in education.
The first day of the meeting took place at the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, where partners reviewed the project’s progress and delved into upcoming deliverables, focusing on how upcycling initiatives can be integrated into education systems.
During the second day the partners participated in a study tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region defined by its extraordinary geology and geothermal energy. Participants explored key landmarks, including the Garðskagi Lighthouse, and learned about the region’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into both education and tourism. The study tour offered a hands-on opportunity to see how Iceland’s natural resources are being preserved and showcased.
The meeting concluded with a strategic discussion about the next steps in the project. As we move forward, the Upcycling team remains dedicated to fostering creative solutions and sustainable practices in education.
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The first transnational meeting and teacher training activity in the GeoSchools project took place in Iceland on 24 - 28 June 2024. The project is an Erasmus+ funded initiative focused on bringing innovative teaching of climate change to schools by integrating geosciences into the curriculum.
By leveraging the unique landscapes and expertise of UNESCO Global Geoparks, we aim to provide students with hands-on, practical learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of geosciences and their relevance to climate change.
This collaborative effort involves educational and scientific institutions from Poland, Iceland, Turkey, and Romania, working together to develop and implement new teaching methods and materials. The project aligns with the European Union's policies on education and climate action, aiming to build a sustainable future through education.
For more information about the project please visit our website at www.geoschools.eu
By leveraging the unique landscapes and expertise of UNESCO Global Geoparks, we aim to provide students with hands-on, practical learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of geosciences and their relevance to climate change.
This collaborative effort involves educational and scientific institutions from Poland, Iceland, Turkey, and Romania, working together to develop and implement new teaching methods and materials. The project aligns with the European Union's policies on education and climate action, aiming to build a sustainable future through education.
For more information about the project please visit our website at www.geoschools.eu
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We are excited to share the highlights of the second Acadimia Project partners’ meeting, which took place on 29 - 30 May 2024 at the welcoming UCLL campus in Leuven, Belgium. The first day was filled with inspiring discussions, idea exchanges, and strategic meetings that set the stage for the next steps in our project collaboration.
The Acadimia project team, including representatives from GeoCamp Iceland, came together to evaluate the progress of our initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and inclusivity in education. The energy in the room was palpable as partners exchanged ideas and shared best practices, all with the goal of enhancing teacher training across Europe.
Special thanks goes to our generous hosts at UCLL, whose thoughtful itinerary and facilities provided an ideal setting for the meeting with productive interactions and meaningful discussions between project partners. The team is feeling motivated and ready to continue working on the exciting next phases of the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our mission to make a positive impact on education!
For more information about the project please visit: https://european-acadimia.eu/
The Acadimia project team, including representatives from GeoCamp Iceland, came together to evaluate the progress of our initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and inclusivity in education. The energy in the room was palpable as partners exchanged ideas and shared best practices, all with the goal of enhancing teacher training across Europe.
Special thanks goes to our generous hosts at UCLL, whose thoughtful itinerary and facilities provided an ideal setting for the meeting with productive interactions and meaningful discussions between project partners. The team is feeling motivated and ready to continue working on the exciting next phases of the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our mission to make a positive impact on education!
For more information about the project please visit: https://european-acadimia.eu/
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GeoCamp Iceland participated in the first Transnational Partner Meeting (TPM) of the Erasmus+ AURORA project, hosted in Ireland from 30 April to 1 May 2024. This two-day meeting marked an exciting beginning for the project, bringing together partners from across Europe to collaborate on key deliverables that will drive the initiative forward.
The meeting centered on the development of the AURORA project’s two primary outputs:
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps, including evaluation and reporting procedures, dissemination strategies, and preparation for the upcoming events. GeoCamp Iceland is excited to continue working on this inspiring project, which aims to bring outdoor learning and technology together to create impactful educational experiences for young people.
GeoCamp Iceland will host the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) from 22-28 September 2024. The LTTA will include outdoor learning workshops, field trips to Iceland’s stunning natural landmarks, and training sessions on how to use AR/VR technology to enhance educational experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness Iceland’s northern lights, weather permitting, and engage in cultural activities.
The meeting centered on the development of the AURORA project’s two primary outputs:
- AURORA Guidebook: The guidebook will consist of nine chapters, with each partner leading the development of a specific chapter. Content creation will start in May 2024, and the final English version is expected to be completed by August. Each chapter will be based on research and workshops conducted with young people, ensuring their voices shape the educational materials. The guidebook will also feature innovative elements like QR codes to make it more engaging.
- AURORA Platform: Set to begin development in October 2024, the platform will serve as a central hub for sharing resources and supporting outdoor learning through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The TPM discussed the equipment needed to film AR/VR footage, with several partners offering to contribute their own resources.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps, including evaluation and reporting procedures, dissemination strategies, and preparation for the upcoming events. GeoCamp Iceland is excited to continue working on this inspiring project, which aims to bring outdoor learning and technology together to create impactful educational experiences for young people.
GeoCamp Iceland will host the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) from 22-28 September 2024. The LTTA will include outdoor learning workshops, field trips to Iceland’s stunning natural landmarks, and training sessions on how to use AR/VR technology to enhance educational experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness Iceland’s northern lights, weather permitting, and engage in cultural activities.
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Arnbjorn Olafsson, Managing Director of GeoCamp Iceland participated in the highly succesful contact seminar "Green practices in Erasmus+ projects" which took place in Bratislava, Slovakia on 10 - 12 April 2024. The seminar brought together participants from both school and vocational sectors, interested in sustainability and greening of EU projects.
Sustainability and green practices are one of the main horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ programme and during the seminar, the participating partners had a chance to share their experiences, expand their professional and personal networks, as well as hear about good practice examples of Erasmus+ KA2 projects that have strived to adopt a sustainable approach towards their projects and/or institutions.
With the participation in the seminar we were able to share our thoughts and ideas on climate change, sustainability and environmental issues, within international education and development projects, as well as share previous experience in international projects.
For GeoCamp Iceland the topic is especially relevant, being partners in two Erasmus+ funded projects that centre on green practices: Green Advisor Project on enhancing environmental sustainability of EU funded projects; and Upcycling, which focuses on promoting cross curricular collaboration, using innovative learning approaches to prepare learners, staff and youth workers towards becoming true agents of change.
The networking event presented us with a great platform to discuss the importance of creating environmentally sustainable projects within the Erasmus+ programme, as well as build on the experience developed so far in our ongoing projects.
Images and video from SAAIC - ErasmusPlus in Slovakia
Sustainability and green practices are one of the main horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ programme and during the seminar, the participating partners had a chance to share their experiences, expand their professional and personal networks, as well as hear about good practice examples of Erasmus+ KA2 projects that have strived to adopt a sustainable approach towards their projects and/or institutions.
With the participation in the seminar we were able to share our thoughts and ideas on climate change, sustainability and environmental issues, within international education and development projects, as well as share previous experience in international projects.
For GeoCamp Iceland the topic is especially relevant, being partners in two Erasmus+ funded projects that centre on green practices: Green Advisor Project on enhancing environmental sustainability of EU funded projects; and Upcycling, which focuses on promoting cross curricular collaboration, using innovative learning approaches to prepare learners, staff and youth workers towards becoming true agents of change.
The networking event presented us with a great platform to discuss the importance of creating environmentally sustainable projects within the Erasmus+ programme, as well as build on the experience developed so far in our ongoing projects.
Images and video from SAAIC - ErasmusPlus in Slovakia
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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 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
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The fourth transnational partner meeting in the Erasmus+ funded project Upcycling, took place in Cori (Italy) 16 - 17 November 2023.
About the project
Climate change measures are not being implemented with the speed that the urgency of the situation demands. One of the most urgent measures to combat climate change is waste reduction. Preventing products and materials from becoming waste for as long as possible and turning waste that cannot be avoided into a resource are the most important steps toward a greener, circular economy.
It is important that children are aware of the idea of reusing waste to produce new things in creative and attractive ways. Upcycling helps develop a range of other skills and abilities such as creativity, innovation, collaboration and respect for the environment. The project aims to support teachers, principals, and other educators in their professional development and give them the tools and resources they need to understand the possibilities of upcycling for cross-curricular and project-based instruction and to provide them with practical ideas.
The project is led by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and aims to create educational material on how to generate less waste and create value-added products in a creative way. Arnbjörn Ólafsson and Magdalena Maria Poslednik took part in the meeting in Cori on behalf of GeoCamp Iceland.
About the project
Climate change measures are not being implemented with the speed that the urgency of the situation demands. One of the most urgent measures to combat climate change is waste reduction. Preventing products and materials from becoming waste for as long as possible and turning waste that cannot be avoided into a resource are the most important steps toward a greener, circular economy.
It is important that children are aware of the idea of reusing waste to produce new things in creative and attractive ways. Upcycling helps develop a range of other skills and abilities such as creativity, innovation, collaboration and respect for the environment. The project aims to support teachers, principals, and other educators in their professional development and give them the tools and resources they need to understand the possibilities of upcycling for cross-curricular and project-based instruction and to provide them with practical ideas.
The project is led by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and aims to create educational material on how to generate less waste and create value-added products in a creative way. Arnbjörn Ólafsson and Magdalena Maria Poslednik took part in the meeting in Cori on behalf of GeoCamp Iceland.
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We are happy to partner the ACADIMIA (European Academy of Creative and Inclusive Learning) project, with ten other project partners from eight countries. They are coming together to create а European Teacher Academy - a hub dedicated to expanding the use of creative teaching methods. ACADIMIA is a dynamic catalyst for change. It is designed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively integrate creative methods in mainstream education.
Creative methodology
The ACADIMIA project is a testament to collaborative innovation. Creative methods and resources from 10 successful transnational projects will be upscaled and valorised through the Academy's Joint Curriculum, which will be organised on a modular basis.
Participatory methods (such as: educational drama, forum theatre, gamification, game-based learning, strength-based learning) and educational technologies (f.i. digital storytelling, creative computing, coding) will be underpinned by Montessori philosophy and principles.
Partners include Action Synergy, University of Girona, University of Florence, Λαικού Θεάτρου Centre of Higher Education in Theater Studies, University College of Leuven, Waterpark Montessori International, University of Iceland and more. We attended the kick-off meeting in Athens in October, with Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir and Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson taking part in the project on behalf of GeoCamp Iceland.
Creative methodology
The ACADIMIA project is a testament to collaborative innovation. Creative methods and resources from 10 successful transnational projects will be upscaled and valorised through the Academy's Joint Curriculum, which will be organised on a modular basis.
Participatory methods (such as: educational drama, forum theatre, gamification, game-based learning, strength-based learning) and educational technologies (f.i. digital storytelling, creative computing, coding) will be underpinned by Montessori philosophy and principles.
Partners include Action Synergy, University of Girona, University of Florence, Λαικού Θεάτρου Centre of Higher Education in Theater Studies, University College of Leuven, Waterpark Montessori International, University of Iceland and more. We attended the kick-off meeting in Athens in October, with Arnbjörn Ólafsson, Sigrún Svafa Ólafsdóttir and Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson taking part in the project on behalf of GeoCamp Iceland.
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The third HEDA transnational meeting took place in Rome, Italy on 14 - 15 September 2023. The meeting included all project partners and was arranged by Galileo. Main focus for the meeting was on teacher training activities, impact assessment and e-learning course, as well as on general project management and dissemination activities. The HEDA Project proposes the introduction of art for the improvement of citizenship education in Europe, fact which will allow on the one hand to enhance the acquisition of social and civic competences, to foster knowledge, understanding and ownership of values and fundamental rights and on the other hand to enhance critical thinking among students and teachers. The HEDA project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
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The third TPM in the Erasmus+ funded project Upcycling, took place in Rotterdam 24 - 25 April 2023.
The project is led by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and aims to create educational material on how to generate less waste and create value-added products in a creative way. Arnbjörn Ólafsson and Magdalena Maria Poslednik took part in the meeting on behalf of GeoCamp Iceland.
The project is led by Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and aims to create educational material on how to generate less waste and create value-added products in a creative way. Arnbjörn Ólafsson and Magdalena Maria Poslednik took part in the meeting on behalf of GeoCamp Iceland.