The experience of DEUM ecological camps and seminars held in 1992-1994 showed the possibility to formulate principles of ecological education school development on the basis of science institution. Successful results of the pedagogical experiment materialized in the establishing the NGO Drukshiai Ecological Education School (DEUM) in 1995. Our NGO acts according to the theoretical and practical model that was designed by DEUM scientists. This model is described in publications, mainly in the series of books for young naturalists.
Ecological camps integrate Earth Sciences (biology, ecology, chemistry, and physics) together. The relationships between Earth Sciences and history, geography, ethnology, environmental technologies are shown. It is already proved that pupils and students are much more efficient working by our non-traditional methodology that gives them a certain freedom in conducting the research. Not only knowledge of the lecturer, but also his pedagogical skills to explain his subject in an appropriate way are important. Later a considerable percent of pupils continue studying Earth Sciences at Universities.
DEUM model has benefited much in writing education programs of practices for Earth Science and Agriculture students, and also in organizing both pupils and students in their out-of-school (University) activities.
Main DEUM projects financed by governmental institutions and NGOs are described below (projects held in the frame of a national program “Environment and Energy” are not included). Results of projects were published in media, discussed at Conferences and presented to pedagogues during various events.
1. Program “Organization of environmental education for East Lithuania basic school pupils and students”
Project funded by PHARE Civil society development program
Start – 22 May, 1998
End – 15 January, 1999
Financial agreement Nr. 98-2-11/5
2. Publishing of book “Ecological and Environmental Studies” (a set of materials)
Project funded by PHARE Civil society development program
Start – 4 March, 1999
End – 15 June, 1999
Financial agreement Nr. 99-8-39/126
3. DEUM seminars and ecological camps
Project funded by Regional Environmental Centre
Start – 15 April, 1999
End – 15 April, 2000
Project was prlonged till 27 December, 2000
Financial agreement Nr. L13115
4. Practical conference “Development of Nature study and environmental activities at East Lithuania schools” Project funded by Lithuania Republic Environment Ministry
Start – 1 September, 1999
End – 1 December, 1999
Financial agreement Nr. L13152
Other important activities:
a) DEUM took part as a partner organization in projects of Vilnius Nature Protection Society Youth Club:
- Training Course on Environmental Education “Urban Society in Nature” (April-September 1999);
- International project “Arhus Convention in Lithuania” (February-December 2001)
b) DEUM traditionally organized ecological camps “Nature Cognition” for skilled pupils (prize winners of Olympiads, National Young Scientists Contest etc.) in 1992-2005. Camps were funded by Lihuania Republic Education and Science Ministry and Republican Place of Pupils Technical Creativity.
c) DEUM offers special courses for graduates from previous DEUM camps. Pupils are trained in a program “Studying Lake ecosystem and its life”. At the end of the program pupils are awarded by certificates providing them bonus points when entering Vilnius University Chemistry faculty.
d) DEUM members prepare methodic materials modified for pupils. These work was also funded by Lithuania Republic Environment Ministry in 1997.
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