Hanna Popovych, a biology and eco-trainer at V. Grendzhi-Donsky Lyceum in Uzhhorod, led a nature tour for 5th-grade students to reinforce the knowledge they had acquired in the classroom. During the outing, the students engaged in exploring their surroundings, observing various animal behaviors, and reviewing the diverse species of flora and fauna in the region.
Through the educational didactic game “Learning about Flora and Fauna Through Play,” children remembered the names and traits of typical plants, animals, and fungi. Later, each student chose an interesting species to find in nature. The students were particularly intrigued by insects, which they identified using special jars with magnifying glasses provided by the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies.
Despite the thorough study of Transcarpathia’s flora and fauna in school, each student discovered new living organisms during the outing, highlighting the benefits of hands-on environmental education in direct contact with nature, as noted by the teacher. Hanna Popovych summarized the experience as follows: “The lesson passed quickly in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere, undoubtedly benefiting the children!“
The event was held within the framework of cooperation between the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) headed by Olexander Bokotey) and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International), project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), and Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Informational Service of IRCEF