Bridging STEM and Outdoor Education: Insights from the 13th Panhellenic Conference

Strengthening Academic Foundations

The 13th Panhellenic Conference on Physical Sciences in Early Childhood Education at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) marked a significant milestone in EOE Hub’s journey toward transforming education through outdoor learning. Our co-founders, Dr. Aristea Kyriakou and George Kyriakou, contributed to this prestigious academic forum, aligning with our commitment to evidence-based practice and research excellence.

Dr. Aristea Kyriakou presenting environmental education workshop at 13th Panhellenic Conference on Physical Sciences in Early Childhood Education
Dr. Aristea Kyriakou presenting the theoretical part of the outdoor education workshop at 13th Panhellenic Conference on Physical Sciences in Early Childhood Education

 

Research Workshop: Climate Change Education in Early Years

Our participation in this conference aligns perfectly with EOE Hub’s mission to transform education through outdoor learning. The connection between the overall topic of STEM subjects and outdoor education offers powerful opportunities:

Natural Laboratory: The outdoors provides a living laboratory for scientific exploration

Hands-on Learning: Physical sciences come alive through direct interaction with nature

Environmental Understanding: Students develop deeper connections with scientific concepts through real-world observations

EOE Hub’s Workshop Contribution

In collaboration with fellow researchers Dr Maria Varsama and Panagiotis Stefanou, Dr. Aristea Kyriakou participated in a workshop exploring innovative approaches to combat climate change. The session focused on three key methodologies:

🎯 Community Visioning

🎯 Backward Design

🎯 Outdoor Education

Opening of the Conference by Professor Demetriou Anastasia
Opening of the Conference by Professor Demetriou Anastasia

This workshop provided valuable insights for integrating STEM concepts into outdoor learning environments, supporting EOE Hub’s ongoing work with schools across Europe.

Theoretical Foundations and Research Questions

Our workshop focused on one Primary Question:

“How do different pedagogical approaches influence the understanding of the concept of climate change in early childhood education?”

Sub-questions:

– How do children aged 4-6 conceptualize environmental phenomena?

– What role does experiential learning play in concept formation?

– How can we adapt teaching methods for different developmental stages?

Key Conference Takeaways for European Outdoor Education Hub

George Kyriakou’s perspective as an outdoor education practitioner, combined with Dr. Aristea Kyriakou’s research background, helped us identify several important insights:

🎯 Curriculum Integration

✓ STEM naturally belongs outdoors – from counting biodiversity to understanding weather patterns

✓ Seasonal activities strengthen year-round learning engagement

✓ Digital tools enhance, rather than replace, nature-based experiences

✓ Cross-border collaboration enriches educational outcomes

📚 Teaching Methodology

✓ Climate education works best through direct experience

✓ Environmental literacy develops through regular outdoor exposure

✓ Inclusive outdoor teaching reaches all learning styles

✓ Nature provides an ideal laboratory for STEM subjects

✓ Sustainable practices must be both taught and demonstrated – embodied

These insights are already shaping our programs like Schooler Planet and Reclaiming Waters, proving that outdoor education isn’t just an add-on – it’s an essential part of modern learning.

European Outdoor Education Hub co-founders Dr. Aristea Kyriakou and George Kyriakou at STEM conference
European Outdoor Education Hub co-founders Dr. Aristea Kyriakou and George Kyriakou at STEM conference

Moving Forward: Research-Informed Growth

This conference experience has strengthened our commitment to:

  1. Research Integration

    • Continuing academic partnerships
    • Contributing to the field’s knowledge base
    • Developing assessment frameworks
  2. Program Enhancement

    • Implementing research findings
    • Expanding STEM integration
    • Strengthening evaluation methods
  3. Community Building

    • Fostering academic collaborations
    • Supporting teacher networks
    • Sharing best practices

Join Our Mission to Transform Education Through Nature

Be Part of the Change

At European Outdoor Education Hub, we’re working towards a clear vision: integrating outdoor education into European school curricula. Our research-based approach, as presented at the 13th Panhellenic Conference, is just one step in this journey.

Connect With Us To:

  • Transform Your School’s Approach
  • Integrate nature-based learning into your curriculum
  • Build environmental stewardship through hands-on experiences
  • Create inclusive outdoor learning environments
  • Access evidence-based outdoor education methodologies
  • Join our community of innovative educators

Contact: info@euoutdoor.education

A Growing Community of Educators

Want to stay connected with the latest in outdoor education research and practice? Follow European Outdoor Education Hub across our social platforms

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📧 Get in touch: info@euoutdoor.education

🌐 Visit: euoutdoor.education

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