Full project title:
Green Classroom
Duration:
2018
Total budget:
331.81 €
Association Biom budget:
331.,81 EUR (2500 HRK) City of Sinj
1260.87 EUR (9500 HRK) Split-Dalmatia County
Lead beneficiary:
Association Biom
Project goals
Raise Awareness of Biodiversity Among Local Communities
Distribute Educational Materials to Support Long-Term Learning
Promote Environmental Education Through Interactive Learning
Project summary
The Dalmatian Hinterland is an area of great biological diversity, which has remained in good condition to this day. In order to preserve this state for future generations, it is essential to raise awareness among the local population about the importance of biodiversity and the contributions it makes to their quality of life.
“Zelena učilica (eng. Green classroom)” is an educational program run by the Biom Association, implemented since 2018 in the Split-Dalmatia County. Our goal was to create a program that would present the importance of preserving the natural environment and biodiversity in an engaging and fun way to the youngest generation, as well as to older age groups.
The program was conducted throughout the year in elementary schools and kindergartens and consisted of workshops organized in cooperation with teachers. The following participated:
- Branch School of Marko Marulić, Lučane (4 classes, 20 students, 2 teachers)
- Elementary School Ravne Njive, Split (4 classes, 58 students, 4 teachers)
- Elementary School Dinko Šimunović, Hrvace (5 classes, 60 students, 5 teachers)
- Elementary School Dinko Šimunović, Potravlje (3 classes, 13 students, 2 teachers)
- Kindergarten “Čarobni pianino”, Sinj (22 children, 2 educators)
The themes and methodology of the workshops were adapted to suit the children’s age, so that through creative tasks and play, they could learn about the meaning and value of ecosystems, the diversity of animal species, and the uniqueness of their natural surroundings. Emphasis was placed on exploring the world of birds, enriching the natural and social science curriculum. Children had the opportunity to make kingfisher models, build birdhouses and feeders, and support birds during the nesting season and in surviving harsh winter conditions.
In addition to birds, the children also got to know other locally present species, from the edible dormouse to squirrels and ladybugs, and discovered their roles in maintaining natural balance.
As part of the project, Biom also designed and printed a booklet titled “Friends of Birds: A Handbook for Young Ornithologists,” which will be distributed to participating students and teachers as early as this month. The 32-page handbook features numerous illustrations and photos to help children learn about the basic characteristics of birds, the uniqueness of different species, and various fun facts from the bird world.
Materials and publications
“Zelena učičica (eng. Green Classroom)” was implemented with the financial support of the City of Sinj and the Split-Dalmatia County, as well as with the association’s own funds.