The NEED project is designed to develop an innovative, operational model to improve the educational use of geo-scientific knowledge in sites of Natural value. The model will be transferable from one country to another in the Northern Periphery region. The project will produce study modules and educational materials, and is designed to develop insp... More...

The NEED project is designed to develop an innovative, operational model to improve the educational use of geo-scientific knowledge in sites of Natural value. The model will be transferable from one country to another in the Northern Periphery region.

The project will produce study modules and educational materials, and is designed to develop inspiring learning environments based on geo-scientific knowledge. The project also educates the locals on how to use the learning environments in the context of tourism.

Less...

The aim is to increase environmental awareness among locals and tourists; develop study modules for the pilot learning environments; as well as to educate locals on how to use the learning environments in the context of tourism. The NEED project focuses on both environmental education and educational tourism in Nature sites; to increase skills, an... More...

The aim is to increase environmental awareness among locals and tourists; develop study modules for the pilot learning environments; as well as to educate locals on how to use the learning environments in the context of tourism.

The NEED project focuses on both environmental education and educational tourism in Nature sites; to increase skills, and raise environmental awareness amongst the local inhabitants. Through the transfer of geo-knowledge and innovations, the NEED project aims to conserve Natural environments and cultural heritage, and to create more jobs and sustainable economic opportunities in previously underdeveloped remote rural areas. The project will also create a social network between the  educational and tourism resources of urban and rural areas.

Less...

The main outcome of the NEED project is an operational model how to use the developed learning environments by the locals. The other outcomes are the study modules developed for the pilot science centres and the respective learning materials in the centres. Developed learning environments. For the background of the developmental work also reviews o... More...

The main outcome of the NEED project is an operational model how to use the developed learning environments by the locals. The other outcomes are the study modules developed for the pilot science centres and the respective learning materials in the centres. Developed learning environments. For the background of the developmental work also reviews of the geo-knowledge in the target areas and curriculum analysis concerning geo-knowledge are produced.

Study modules, educational materials, learning environments based on geo-scientific knowledge for Nature sites.

Less...

Find newest Study modules with handbooks for teachers and introduction to the study materials developed in the NEED-project at www.uef.fi/need. The Study modules Elements of Geology, Landscape, Geological materials in society and their sustainable use and Climate change are available in English. Study Modules NEED The three project conferences enh... More...

Find newest Study modules with handbooks for teachers and introduction to the study materials developed in the NEED-project at www.uef.fi/need. The Study modules "Elements of Geology", "Landscape", "Geological materials in society and their sustainable use" and "Climate change" are available in English. Study Modules NEED

The three project conferences enhanced transnational co-operation and exchange of ideas between the national teams. Geo-Education in Protected Areas was the topic in Iceland in October 2008. Innovative Education Methods were presented and discussed in Finland in June 2009. In Norway, in October 2009 the topic was Learning Environments Fluctuating the Arctic Circle.  Conference Proceedings NEED

In the beginning of the project, online work space (on Moodle platform) and a video conferencing system were set up for easier communication between the transnational project staff. The project logo was created by a school boy who won the international NEED logo design competition for school children living in the target areas. Hundreds of children participated as part of their classroom work combining arts and science education. Website in Icelandic presents the project to local companies and general public http://www.need.is/ .

Also in the beginning,  geo-knowledge of the target areas was compiled into Geo-reviews that include the essential geological information  for the development of  new learning materials and learning environments. National curricula were analysed in each country to ensure that the development of new learning materials and learning environments supports national learning objectives. The reports were distributed to all project staff on the online work space. Geological reviews.

In the next phase of the project, study modules were designed and produced. The study modules will be  tested by teachers and pupils. The piloting of the study modules with groups of school children is partly on-going and the study modules are improved based on the piloting results. A model to use GIS (geological information system) in schools was developed in Finland and the knowledge was transferred to other teams for local implementation. Some parts of the work on developing and improving  learning environments is completed - for example the geo-cultural trail in Linnansaari is ready. Questionnaire of the feasibility analysis is completed and ready to use for surveys in all target areas.

Less...