1. 10. 2025

EcoAdventures: Teachers love to learn

As part of the LIFE2RIVERS project and with the support of the Eco-Schools programme, we held a two-day training for educators of the EcoAdventures programme at CŠOD Lipa in Črmošnjice on the last weekend of September (26–27 September 2025). During the workshop titled “Train the Trainers,” we explored how to provide teachers with more knowledge, ideas, and inspiration for outdoor learning, and how to engage young people more deeply in discovering natural processes and environmental responsibility.

Learning about water, nature, and society

The workshop program was rich and diverse, as we connected the content across various fields of natural sciences, ecology, children’s rights, and participation.

  • The National Institute of Biology (NIB) presented the module “Water and Living Nature,” where we explored the importance of aquatic ecosystems and ways to introduce them to students through research activities;
  • DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia took us into the field, providing practical advice on birdwatching and reflecting on the importance of preserving habitats of waterbirds;
  • PIC – Legal Centre for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment highlighted the connection between children’s rights and environmental protection, as well as the importance of involving young people in environmental decision-making;
  • The Institute of Ecology guided us through a deliberative process that encourages critical thinking, argumentation, and collaborative problem-solving;
  • Revivo introduced ecosystems, river obstacles, migratory fish, and the importance of integrating both analog and digital learning tools.

Co-learning, best practices, inspiration

We concluded the workshop with an exchange of best practices, reflection, and evaluation. Participants emphasized that they gained new knowledge as well as motivation for further work with students in the natural environment.

Joining us were teachers from numerous primary and secondary schools across Slovenia who actively participate in the EcoAdventures program:

Primary schools:
OŠ Davorina Jenka Cerklje, OŠ Šturje Ajdovščina, OŠ Sečovlje, OŠ Rodica, OŠ Mladika Ptuj, OŠ Cankova, OŠ Leskovec pri Krškem, OŠ Notranjski odred Cerknica, OŠ Mozirje, OŠ Gabrovka – Dole, OŠ Dolenjske Toplice, OŠ Kanal, OŠ Primoža Trubarja Velike Lašče, Waldorfska šola Ljubljana, OŠ Karla Destovnika Kajuha, OŠ Venclja Perka Domžale, OŠ Marije Vere Kamnik, OŠ Šmartno v Tuhinju, OŠ Fram, OŠ Lesično, OŠ Kajetana Koviča Poljčane, OŠ Benedikt, OŠ Žužemberk.

Secondary schools:
Biotehniški center Naklo, Biotehniška šola Šempeter, Gsš Kočevje, Srednja šola Slovenj Gradec in Muta, Srednja ekonomsko-poslovna šola Koper, Srednja šola Domžale, Biotehniška šola Maribor, Srednja šola za gostinstvo in turizem Radenci, Srednja gozdarska, lesarska in zdravstvena šola Postojna, Srednja šola za gradbeništvo in varovanje okolja, Srednja šola Zagorje, Srednja gradbena, geodetska in okoljevarstvena šola ter strokovna gimnazija, Gimnazija Murska Sobota, EPAS Prva gimnazija Maribor in LiVe reke Pesnice.

Thank you!

A sincere thank you to all participants and speakers for their energy, ideas, and inspiration!
With your support and collaboration, we are building a network of teachers who teach with nature and for nature – and together, we are creating an environment where EcoAdventures become a part of everyday learning.