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Forests toolkit #7 – Providing a multitude of forest ecosystem services for society – a balancing act

This activity aims to sensitise students to the multitude of ecosystem services that forests provide to society as well as the challenges of meeting the needs of many different interest groups. The activity uses outdoor learning sites known as “marteloscopes”. Marteloscopes are delineated forest areas where data has been recorded for all standing trees. The data is made available to students via an innovative, easy-to-use, educational software (“I+ Trainer” software) running on mobile devices (tablets/mobile phones).

Given guidance, pupils can experience not only forests hands-on and observe trees closely. They can also gain an understanding of how and why forests are managed, why biodiversity in forest ecosystems is important, and how to come to solutions if forests should meet multiple demands such as providing wood for valuable wood products, be a place for recreation, and serve as a home for plants and animals.

Biodiversity #3 – People and nature

We are very pleased to present PEOPLE AND NATURE, a booklet created by the team of the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, in the framework of the Multipliers project (Horizon 2020). As educators, we know that learning goes far beyond the walls of the classroom. It thrives in the fresh air, outdoors and surrounded by the wonders of nature. The aim of this activity is to present biodiversity and ecosystem services as an important socio scientific issue (SSI) both relevant in their everyday life but also, for science. This activity is facilitated by providing students different activities and tools to explore biodiversity in forest, water and wind erosion, sounds, landscape changes etc.

Biodiversity #1 – Natural Science Backpack

The materials presented here are designed primarily for primary school students between the ages of 6 and 14. They were created through collaboration with researchers from various fields, including early childhood education and forest pedagogy, as well as teachers and students themselves. The activity utilizes an inquiry-based approach and a formative evaluation process to optimize the materials, which serve as a self-learning kit.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services toolkit

Created in collaboration with researchers from various fields, including early childhood education and forest pedagogy, this toolkit enables students to learn about the diversity of ecosystems, the ecosystem services they provide, and appreciate their value for the wellbeing of societies.