Education in the Field
ARK strives to involve people in nature development by providing information and education. We have developed exciting field lessons for the 9-12 years olds in several places in the Netherlands. This educational program can be carried out thanks to the support from VSBfonds and the National Post Code Lottery. Every year, some 8.000 children and their 2.000 accompanying adults explore our new nature areas. We have also prepared teaching material for secondary school students about the Gelderse Poort nature area and the Rotterdam Port area.
The field trip
The field trip lesson is the core of the project for primary schools. The aim is to involve children in the glorious nature developing in all kinds of places along large rivers, along brooks and in the port of Rotterdam.
A preparatory lesson with slide presentation at school is followed by one morning or afternoon spent in the field. In small groups, children will explore the new nature area with books, boxes full of research materials, and their own senses. Principal parts are the perception of nature and enjoying it. While exploring and researching, the children come to learn much. Exchanging experiences in class, and to place them in the story about nature development. It turns out they’re so enthusiastic about ‘their’ foreland or nature area, that they decide to take their parents along with them. Children therefore are great ambassadors of our work!
Schools are thrilled
Foraging and exploring wild nature is an unforgettable experience for children. Teachers and parents are enthusiastic; it often happens that schools participate every year.
Guidance
ARK develops the field lessons and guides them in the initial period, often 4 years. We invite schools in the neighborhood of the nature area where the field lessons take place. After the initial period, the project is handed on to another centre or division in the region.
For further information contact
José ten Tuynte.
