When theory-heavy subjects are moved into real-world settings, students can learn using all their senses. In this way, nature as a learning arena provides a unique opportunity to make teaching practical, active, and inquiry-based.
On June 24, Norsk Friluftsliv (The Norwegian Association for Outdoor Organisations) is hosting a seminar, in collaboration with five major outdoor recreation organizations, focusing on nature as a learning arena. The seminar will provide you with tools that promote students’ creativity, engagement, and curiosity.
By using nature as a learning arena through outdoor education, we facilitate a more practical, active, and inquiry-based school day for students. The government recognizes students’ needs and is actively working to support a more active and practical school system. Today’s teachers are expected to use multiple learning arenas and a wide range of differentiate teaching methods for the benefit of all students.
Norsk Friluftsliv (The Norwegian Association for Outdoor Organisations) sees nature as a learning arena and as a tool that meets the government’s ambition for teaching that promotes students engagamente in learning, increased quality of life and increase health benefits for all students in Norwegian schools. Read more about the project here: Nature as a Learning Arena - Naturen Som Læringsarena
We therefore warmly welcome you to a afternoon where you will gain tools and inspiration for differentiated teaching through active learning methods in the outdoor classroom. We look forward to seeing you at the conference at Norges idrettshøgskole (Norwegian School of Sport Sciences).
Meeting time for all activities is 12.30pm in Auditorium Innsikt, where there will be a short presentation to frame the afternoon.
The afternoon consists of six parallel sessions across two time slots. Norsk Friluftsliv (The Norwegian Association for Outdoor Organisations), Den Norske Turistforening (Norwegian Trekking Association), Norges Orienteringsforbund (Norwegian Orienteering Federation), Norges sopp- og nyttevekstforbund (Norwegian Association of Mycology and Foraging), Friluftsrådenes Landsforbund (The Norwegian Outdoor Board), Det norske Skogselskap (The Norwegian Forestry Society), and Lære med skogen (Learning with the Forest) have developed sessions aimed at inspiration and competence development. Each participant can sign up for two sessions.
Sessions
International Outdoor Cooking by Norsk Friluftsliv (The Norwegian Association for Outdoor Organisations)
Join us in exploring the inclusion tool 'Turmat fra hele verden' (International Outdoor Cooking), while we fry, boil, and taste international outdoor dishes over a campfire or stove. The initiative aims to bridge international food culture and Norwegian outdoor traditions. In this session, you will be introduced to simple cooking equipment, receive tips on how to carry out an outdoor cooking activity with children, and take part in a shared reflection on how different food cultures can be used as a resource for inclusion, community, and self-efficacy. Read more at turmat.no.
Feel Confident in Your Role as a Teacher Outdoors by Den Norske Turistforening (Norwegian Trekking Association)
This is a practical session where you will gain basic outdoor skills to feel more confident as an outdoor educator. You will try lighting a fire or stove and setting up a tent, lavvu, or hammock. The session ends with a campfire discussion where you will learn more about what DNT provides of services to the public and reflect together on opportunities, challenges, and attitudes related to using nature as a learning arena.
One Forest, a Thousand Possibilities! by Det norske Skogselskap (The Norwegian Forestry Society) and Lære med skogen (Learning with the Forest)
Did you know you can boil water using a newspaper over a fire? Or that a tree stump is perfect for storytelling? Or that beard lichen can be used to teach about puberty? Whatever the subject or grade level, teaching can be connected to the forest. If you are working with sustainable development, there is no better classroom than among the trees. You will receive concrete tips and try out activities linked to different subjects, with the goal of motivating you to bring your students into the forest classroom.
Map games by Norges Orienteringsforbund (Norwegian Orienteering Federation)
Join simple, high-energy activities that can be used across subjects. Learn more about maps and test our school-oriented teaching materials. Participate in reflections on how activities can be adapted for different student groups—whether in the schoolyard, park, or nearby forest. Being able to use a map is a life-saving skill and a fundamental competence—both useful and fun. O-skolen
How to teach Language and Mathematics Outdoors by Friluftsrådenes Landsforbund (The Norwegian Outdoor Board)
How can we move teaching outside the classroom? This session focuses on Norwegian language and mathematics in an expanded learning environment. We use active learning methods to enrich teaching, linking outdoor sessions with preparation and follow-up work in the traditional classroom. By moving different subjects outdoors, students engage fully, and the interaction between play, learning, and nature experiences fosters deeper, more authentic learning.
Wild Delicacies for All Ages by Norges sopp- og nyttevekstforbund (Norwegian Association of Mycology and Foraging)
Join us in discovering edible wild plants. We explore common local species and uncover new and exciting flavors. This is a fun and engaging introduction to species litteracy, cultural history, local knowledge, outdoor life, sustainability, and food and nutrition skills. The association has developed a teaching program focused on the dandelion. The teaching program is interdisciplinary, aligned with the national curriculum and provides educational activities for outdoor and indoor use. smasankerne.soppognyttevekster.no
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