Nature Experience Projects 2016

As part of the 2015/16 school year's project week, the 5th grade classes of the Ernst-Abbe-Gymnasium Eisenach spent three days immersed in the beautiful nature of their home region – the Hainich National Park. The students experienced the local flora and fauna up close, which they clearly enjoyed, as everyone was enthusiastic and fully engaged.
On the first day, the children visited the Wildcat Village in Hütscheroda, where they had the chance to watch the animals being fed in their enclosure – a wildcat within arm’s reach and in action. The group was accompanied by two young guides who led themed games and shared a wealth of information about the lives and habitats of wildcats.

The second day took the students on a hike from Craula to the treetop walkway through nearly untouched nature. They learned an incredible amount about the unique forest landscape. Trees and plants were explained and identified, and the difference between cultivated and natural landscapes was repeatedly emphasized. The importance of letting nature be nature and protecting it was a central theme. Among other activities, the students searched for living creatures in deadwood, examined them under magnifying glasses, and then carefully returned them to where they were found.
The goal of these project days was to raise awareness among the students about nature and the importance of preserving plants and animals.

A significant portion of the costs was covered by the Frank Hirschvogel Foundation.