Learning About Ecosystems and Forests – Outdoor Biodiversity

Learning About Ecosystems and Forests is an outdoor and experiential environmental education approach coordinated in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. It focuses on biodiversity, urban and suburban green spaces, forests, climate change and the value of ecosystems. It is relevant for ECOTEACH because it provides a clear methodology for connecting science and mathematics with the local environment. Teachers can use schoolyards, nearby parks, small green areas or local forests as learning spaces where students observe species, count plants or insects, classify living organisms, measure shade and temperature, compare polluted and greener areas, and create simple biodiversity records. The approach is particularly valuable for disadvantaged schools because it requires minimal equipment: notebooks, simple measuring tools, printed observation sheets and collaborative work are enough. It also supports inclusive learning by allowing students to learn through movement, observation, drawing, oral explanation, teamwork and local action. The methodology can be easily adapted to urban, rural, island and low-resource school contexts.