Primary and middle-school level environmental studies
At these levels we employ a much wider range of educational approaches than for secondary and older groups. In addition to a scientifically-based investigative approach,
we often use, for example, games with an environmental theme (using a variety of senses, active catching games etc.). In other cases we include sketching, clay-modelling and other creative activities which focus the children's attention on the environment in a different way.
We also highlight the intimate human relationship with the environment - through our dependence on natural resources such as clean water, through agriculture, through traditional crafts and building, through recreation, through forest management and on a personal level as participants in and observers of nature.
The following thematic guidelines are indicative of the wide range of subject material available:
- A general Introduction to the Kritou Terra area - Orientation and introduction to general ideas on ecology, the landscape and people's impact through settlement and agriculture
- An Introduction to the Akamas - A scenic and inspirational walk for orientation and experience of a wide range of vegetation types
- Vegetation and the Landscape - a more thorough investigation of the main factors which can determine the kind of vegetation - geology, water supply, impact of humans and their domestic animals
- The Seashore - a chance to mess around in rock pools whilst also learning some interesting principles of ecology and how the sea-shore is formed
- Animals and Animal Ecology - bug-hunting and lizard-catching allow children to build up concepts of animal ecology: food chains, diversity, adaptation and interdependence of animals and plants
- Ecology of Natural and Artificial Fresh Waters in Cyprus - as fresh water is in short supply in the summer, any permanent sources of water become focal points for specialized plant and animal life. Pond and stream bugs are easy to catch and study, and provide excellent examples of adaptation and community ecology
- Human Impact on the Environment - focuses on either tourism or mining and quarrying as important local issues; these factors are related to the Akamas Peninsula
- Altitude, Climate, Weather Patterns - an opportunity to examine the influence of altitude on wildlife and human activity in the mountains of Panayia district; optional visit to Cedar Valley
- Geology and the Landscape - how rock types are related to the shape and characteristics of the landscape; spectacular walk through a valley system which cuts through several distinctive geologies with spectacular features - tors, pillow lavas, limestone plateaus, a gorge and 'badlands' erosion
- Village Study - a chance to learn about the realities of village life: past and present, and how things may change for the better or worse in the future; could include 'Planning my Village' - a group exercise to explore ideas of managing a community and its different need and activities.
