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Elite Centre for Understanding Human Relationships with the Environment (CUHRE)

OCEAN//LAND: Voices of Nature

Objective

In collaboration with Herlev Gymnasium and HF, the project "WATER//LAND: Voices of Nature" develops interdisciplinary and innovative teaching approaches that combine natural sciences and humanities with a focus on sustainability and the relationship between humans and nature. Through education that stimulates students' imagination and empathy, the goal is to foster a deeper understanding of and responsibility for ecosystems on land and in water.


Research Questions

  1. How can imagination-stimulating teaching enhance students' ability to understand and engage with sustainability?
  2.  How can the combination of scientific methods and humanistic perspectives support the development of a deeper connection between students and nature?
  3. How can education contribute to ecoliteracy (økodannelse) and create mutual understanding between humans and non-human organisms?


Target Group

The project is implemented in two STX classes specializing in Biology A - Chemistry B. Students will work across the subjects Biology A, Danish A, and Classical Studies C.


Content

Students will:

  • Conduct field studies in various biotopes (e.g., coastal and agricultural land), analyzing biodiversity and ecosystems.
  •  Engage in eco-critical reading and creative assignments in Danish A, highlighting the roles of the sea and land in cultural history.
  • Participate in philosophical discussions in Classical Studies C on humanity’s relationship with nature in antiquity.
  • Create "voices of nature" through creative productions (texts, videos, audio clips) where they imagine the world from nature’s perspective.


CUHRE's Role

CUHRE facilitates workshops and professional development for teachers. It contributes research on ecoliteracy, including methods to promote imagination and an understanding of interdependence between species.


Expected Outcomes

  • Teachers: Development of interdisciplinary, imagination-driven teaching programs with concrete materials and methods.
  • Students: A deeper understanding of sustainability through increased empathy and imagination-based activities that strengthen their relationship with nature.
  • Society: The education sector gains new pedagogical tools and methods for sustainability didactics.

Last Updated 16.01.2025