Educational excursion – explorers expedition in Gauja National Park

An educational excursion in nature is a great opportunity for pupils to get to know their surroundings, study natural processes and understand human impact on the landscape. This school excursion in the Gauja National Park combines hiking, practical observations and orienteering tasks, helping students to learn in nature and better understand geography and environmental processes.

During the excursion, pupils learn about the importance of the Gauja National Park, the principles of nature conservation and how to use a topographic map for orienteering. During the hike, they analyse changes in nature by comparing older maps with modern maps and observing changes in the environment caused by nature and human activity.

📚 STEM programme information

Programme name: Educational excursion – explorers’ expedition in nature

This educational excursion is part of the STEM programme and is designed for students to learn about natural processes, human impact on the environment and to develop orientation skills in nature.

• Target audience: pupils in Years4-6
• STEM area: science (grades 1-6, science curriculum area)
• Theme/objective: Students explain the impact of natural processes and human activities on the environment and orient themselves using a topographic map
• Duration: 120 minutes
• Venue: learners arrive at the venue
• Address of the venue: Eagle cliffs, parking lot, Cesis region, Priekuli municipality

🌿 What will students learn on this excursion?

At the beginning of the excursion, students will learn about the importance of the Gauja National Park and the principles of nature conservation. Together with the hike leader, they look at the Gauja National Park information stand, paying special attention to the map and its signs.

Pupils learn important concepts such as scale, skyline and map symbols. The aim of the lesson is explained and safety rules are discussed before the hike.

🗺️ Hiking in the Gauja National Park

During the excursion, pupils follow a circular route of approximately 2.5 kilometres. During the hike, students make practical observations in nature and use both an older topographic map and a modern map to understand what has changed in the area.

There are several stopping points along the route, where the pupils and the leader of the hike focus on natural processes and the impact of human activity on the landscape. They analyse how water washes away soil and forms gullies, and how human activity can affect the terrain – for example, digging sandstone or creating footbridges on former paths.

🔎 What will the students study during the excursion?

• Soil erosion and its impact on landform changes.
• Natural processes that shape and reshape the Earth’s surface.
• The impact of human activity on the environment and landscape.
• The use of topographic maps fororientation and exploration.
• The importance of nature conservation and the role of man in maintaining environmental balance.

🧭 Orientation exercise for groups of pupils

In the middle of the route, pupils are divided into groups and each group is given a map. Using the map and their orienteering skills, the pupils have to find their way back to the starting point. This part of the excursion develops cooperation, logical thinking and orientation skills in nature.

Working in teams helps pupils to put their knowledge into practice and makes the excursion exciting and dynamic.

💡 What do students conclude at the end of the excursion?

At the end of the excursion, they discuss the natural and man-made changes to the Earth’s surface that have been observed during the trek. Students analyse how human actions can affect the balance of nature and draw conclusions based on their observations.

This educational excursion helps pupils to better understand natural processes, develop research skills and develop a responsible attitude towards the environment.

🎒 Who is this excursion suitable for?

The excursion is suitable for groups of pupils who want to learn actively in nature and get to know the environment of the Gauja National Park. It is particularly suitable for learning about science, geography and environmental education, while at the same time offering an exciting hike and practical tasks in nature.