Outdoor educational trail and testing session at geosite Møborg Bakkeø

For this EGN week the geosite at Møborg Bakkeø was put in the spotlight. Here our Erasmus intern David from the Netherlands has spent the last few months making his own interactive educational trail aimed at children aged 7 to 12 years old to explore the geology, nature and landscape of this area.David has a background in geography and education and is enthusiastic about making geology accessible for everyone using storytelling. “Geology can sometimes feel distant or difficult, so I wanted to create a trail where children can explore the landscape through stories, characters and hands-on activities,” he says. Here they are encouraged to experience geology through different senses, including touch, as they feel the sandy and gravelly glacial deposits that form the foundation for the landscape, soils and vegetation we see today.During the EGN week it was time to finally put the trail to the test with a group of 19 international student teachers.

For this testing session the group of 19 international future teachers joined David for a full outdoor experience at Møborg Bakkeø. Here they first got to learn about what UNESCO Global Geoparks are, the Geopark Vestjylland and the local geology of Møborg. After which it was time for them to experience and test the trail and all the interactive elements. Walking the trail they are guided around by 2 characters, named: Ranger Christian and the troll Lotte Lokkeklokke. Where the troll is actually one of the main attractions for this trail. One of the troll art pieces made by Thomas Dambo is hidden in this geosite, which attracts visitors from all over the world. For around 3 hours the whole geosite was alive with students exploring, experiencing and experimenting with geology, landscape and nature.

What made this testing session with this diverse group of future teachers extra valuable, was not just their enthusiasm, but their professional background as well. Having them experience what a UNESCO Global Geopark can offer in educational possibilities, will travel with them on their journey as teachers all over the world, reaching communities and classrooms all over the world.

Their feedback gave many different perspectives from many different cultures and backgrounds, which gave room to open and honest discussions “Hearing their ideas and reflections helped me see the trail in new ways, and it made the final version stronger,” David says.This shows how with the help from local and global communities we can help explore, protect and celebrate our geological heritage.