The GEO learning environment has been made more familiar throughout Iceland this autumn. In addition, a couple of publications have been prepared that are freely available to everyone. GEO learning environment covers learning content and sites related to environmental education, such as the GEO learning center in Honkajoki and the entire Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas Geopark area.

Hörhiäishotelli and Hörhiäiskävely become part of SAMK's publications

The Hörhiäis walk and the preceding hörhiäis hotel workshop organized in the center of Kankaanpää and Honkajoki in the summer were published by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. The publication was written by Roosa Kinnunen, a graduate of Honkajoki Upper Secondary School, who is involved in the project in developing the GEO learning environment. The publication provides a great example of the Hörhiäis collaboration with the city of Kankaanpää. It also provides practical tips for building hörhiäis hotels and creating a crossword puzzle. You can read the publication here: https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/867020

Promote environmental awareness with an environmental education plan

A separate environmental education plan was written for the GEO learning environment and Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas Geopark, which can be widely utilized by teachers, educators, associations and hobby groups in the area. The plan provides examples and themes for increasing environmental awareness, taking into account the special characteristics of our area. You can download the environmental education plan here in Finnish or English: https://psvsa.samk.fi/ymparistokasvatussuunnitelma/

Our GEO learning environment is a specialty in Iceland

The GEO learning environment and Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas Geopark were present at the annual meeting of the European Geopark Network. Kalle Männistö presented the environmental education in the area. He works as a lecturer at Honkajoki Upper Secondary School and as a developer of the GEO learning environment in the SAMK project. The diversity of our learning environment aroused particular interest in other geoparks.

Behind the active autumn of the learning environment is SAMK's North Satakunta on the Waves of Green Transition project, which is funded by the EU's Just Transition Fund and the Satakunta Regional Council. The city of Kankaanpää acts as an important partner in the project.

Photo: Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas Geopark / Laura Koivumäki