Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day-by-Day Exploration: Each day presents a unique blend of exciting fieldwork excursions, cultural activities, and sustainability education to deepen your understanding and application of eco-literacy.

Day 1:

Introduction to STPM and Building Connections

Begin with an active, joyful introduction to the STPM approach, highlighting Iceland’s innovation in early education, sustainability, and technology. Explore Iceland’s unique cultural and educational heritage through "The Icelandic Corner" and connect with new European colleagues through fun icebreaking activities and a relaxed social event.

Day 2:

Introduction and Sustainability Awareness

Engage in STPM interactive methodology to explore Iceland’s role in achieving the SDGs and reflect on our own heritage-related actions.  Participate in hands-on activities and discover practical ways to increase awareness and happiness for both teachers and students.

Day 3:

Geothermal Energy, Sustainability, and Nature Walk

Visit Hellisheiðarvirkjun, one of the world’s largest geothermal power plants, to explore green energy innovation and observe Iceland’s groundbreaking CarbFix method, which turns CO₂ into rock— one of the solutions to global warming. Take a beautiful guided nature walk in Hveragerði’s lava and moss-covered landscape, reflecting on the balance between human activity and environmental sustainability.

Day 4:

Insights into Icelandic Education and Sustainability

Visit one of Reykjavík’s newest schools, integrating kindergarten, primary, and secondary education. Discover how practical and academic subjects are equally valued, inclusion is a priority, and well-being is integrated into the curriculum.   Witness how outdoor activities rooted in Icelandic heritage build resilience. Explore how democracy and sustainability thinking shape the school community in a positive way.

Day 5:

Hot Springs, Heritage, and Outdoor Learning

Explore Laugardalur, the hot spring valley, and learn about the historical use of hot springs for domestic purposes. Engage in playful outdoor educational activities inspired by Icelandic culture, including calming and mindful activities to develop awareness and connect with our local environment.

Day 6:

Sustainable Action and Planning

Reflect on sustainability through a range of activities, e.g. interactive role-play activities, consolidating key learnings from the course. Mirror Iceland’s approach to protecting natural resources by engaging in discussions to identify actionable strategies. Develop personalized action plans for implementing sustainable practices in your own educational settings.

Day 7:

A Mindful Reflection in Icelandic Hot Tubs

Immerse yourself in an Icelandic well-being tradition with a visit to a local thermal swimming pool and hot tubs. This mindful, screen-free experience rooted in Icelandic heritage offers a sustainable way to relax, reflect, and make future plans. Foster a sense of calm, focus and gratitude as you conclude the week in this unique cultural setting.

Learning Objectives

• Cultural Heritage and Sustainability Integration: Develop strategies for connecting sustainability practices to local heritage, drawing inspiration from Icelandic customs, folklore, and conservation practices.
• Critical Thinking and Eco-Literacy: Cultivate critical thinking skills and eco-literacy, empowering yourself and your students to tackle environmental challenges creatively and collaboratively.
• Hands-On Ecosystem and Renewable Energy Learning: Gain firsthand experience in Iceland’s natural habitats and renewable energy sites, understanding ecosystems’ roles in environmental balance.
• Activity Development and Curriculum Planning: Explore activities and ideas to develop cross-curricular projects and classroom resources that promote environmental literacy, cultural awareness, and community engagement. Gain practical tools and strategies to integrate these themes into your curriculum and classroom effectively.