At Brda Primary School, on March 15, 2025, the fifth module of the educational project VolonTERRA was held. Sunce is implementing the project with the aim of educating teachers on how to incorporate sustainability topics into their teaching. This time, the focus of the workshop was on measuring and monitoring environmental impact. The workshop gathered teachers eager to explore how modern tools such as geospatial data can help create a map for their school.
The workshop was led by Dr. Martina Baučić (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split), along with Margita Radman and Miranda Šimac from Sunce’s Education and information department.
Geospatial data in the service of ecology
The introductory lecture was given by Dr. Martina Baučić on the topic of “Free global geospatial data.” The participants were introduced to tools such as Google Earth, OpenStreetMap, and datasets on land cover, forest conditions, and urban greenery. Special emphasis was placed on how these resources can be used in education when designing and planning ecological projects. In addition to global sources, national systems such as Geoportal, the Spatial planning information system (ISPU), and Bioportal were also presented. These systems offer detailed information on the environment and biodiversity within Croatia.
The lecture opened up questions about the availability and role of location data in modern society, as well as their vulnerabilities. “What would happen if we lost internet access?” asked professor Baučić, prompting teachers to critically reflect on today’s technological dependence.
In the practical part of the workshop, with the help of laptops, the teachers explored geoportals and used the free QGIS software, which enables the analysis and visualization of spatial data, the creation of thematic maps, and precise spatial planning. Under Martina Baučić’s guidance, the participants were tasked with creating a map of their school. This gave them the opportunity to experience how geoinformatics tools can be applied in an educational context.
Outdoor activities – learning through play
Following the theoretical and computer-based sections, practical outdoor activities took place. The teachers took part in building insect hotels—a simple yet educational tool that encourages care for biodiversity in schoolyards. The workshop concluded with an educational game called “Insects,” a gift from our partners at RUZ Hollen in Germany. Through a fun and accessible approach, the game highlights the diversity of the animal kingdom and encourages children to learn through play.
Divided into three groups and using pre-prepared materials, the participants enthusiastically engaged in constructing insect hotels. These small but meaningful homes for beneficial insects now decorate the yards of three primary schools. They also serve to inspire students to reflect on the importance of preserving biodiversity and caring for nature.
Become part of the VolonTERRA project!
The project VolonTERRA – Active Schools Drive Change! once again demonstrated how education and collaboration among various experts can create space for real change in schools. Through workshops that empower and inspire, teachers become the drivers of sustainable transformation in their communities.
If you are interested in sustainability topics, we invite you to join the upcoming modules of the VolonTERRA program. Through education and the exchange of experiences, we can build the classrooms of the future together—ones that nurture knowledge, critical thinking, and a love for nature.
