OUTLINE

Introduction

The importance of nature protection has become a priority in 21st century education. What we want to protect we need to know well so that our protection can be effective. What is ecology? How to explore nature? How to become a better teacher and researcher thanks to knowing Nature? What can we learn from the Nature? What is biomimicry? How can every teacher support students in the research process?

This first Module aims at helping teachers and educators become aware of nature protection.

Keywords

Ecology, research process, biomimicry, teaching

Learning objectives

• To describe ecology as an environmental science.
• To implement  elements of ecology in teaching.
• To explain the theory of the research process.
• To apply research process in teaching process.
• To arrange research assignments for teaching.
• To define biomimicry and identify its value in education.
• To conclude about the importance of studying nature for the progress of mankind.
• To analyze examples of good practice of including environmental content in the teaching process.

Teachers will be able to explain ecology as environmental science and implement its elements  in teaching.

Time estimation: 3.5 hours

Teachers will be able to use stages of the research in their lessons.

Time estimation:

3.5 hours

Teachers will get to know biomimicry as the new scientific discipline.

Time estimation:

3 hours

Teachers will get to know examples of best practices and be able to create similar lessons.

Teachers will be encouraged to exchange their ideas with other educators (forums, social media) and use interactive tools (games, quizzes, etc.).

Time estimation: 0.5  hour

Teaching and learning activities

• Lectures and seminars
• Workshops/webinar
• Self-study
• Literature and case study review
• Brainstorming 
• Videos
• Quizzes
• Group work activities
• Homework

Learning content

• Theoretical framework/learning scenarios
• Presentation slide (PPT)
• OERs (Videos, toolkits, and templates)

Assessment

• Practical work instructions 
• Project-based activities
• Quiz
• Group work

To go further

Bioteka (2021). Zaštita okoliša http://www.bioteka.hr/modules/okolis/index.php?topic_id=3 (30.6.2021.)

Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, MINGOR (2021).

http://www.haop.hr/hr/publikacije (30.6.2021.)

United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA (2021).  Environmental Videos for Students and Educators  https://www.epa.gov/students/environmental-videos-students-and-educators  

Literature

1. Biološka raznolikost.  Croatian encyclopedia, online edition. Lexicographic Institute Miroslav Krleža, 2021. http://www.enciklopedija.hr/Natuknica.aspx?ID=7766 (23.6.2021.)
2. De Zan, Ivan Methodology of teaching nature and society. Zagreb: ŠK, 2006.
3. Croatian encyclopedia, online edition. Lexicographic Institute Miroslav Krleža, 2021.https://www.enciklopedija.hr/Natuknica.aspx?ID=17328 (23.6. 2021)
4. Mužić, Vladimir Introduction to the methodology of research in education: Zagreb: Educa, 1999.
5. Puljak, Lucija Methodical notebook: manual for work according to the CNE.; Split: Service of educational standard, 2006.

Number and title of the training sessions

This module consists of 4 mutually independent sessions: 

Session 1: Nature as a part of the environment:  theoretical introduction in the ecology 

Session 2: Nature as a Researcher: theoretical introduction in the research process 

Session 3: Nature as an Innovator: biomimicry in theory and practice

Session 4: Nature as a Teacher: exchange of knowledge, good practices and ideas

The user can choose only one, several or all of them according to their needs.

Preparation to the sessions

Before the session, the teacher will have prepared material. 

Material required

• Internet connection
• Laptops or tablets for groups