Geoeducation

Geoeducation

Research, Science and Education

Educational activities are an important element of the operation of the Meteora – Pyli Geopark. Educational activities contribute to the promotion of the philosophy of Meteora-Gate Geopark and with its inclusion in the UNESCO World Network of Geoparks, educational programmes will continue to develop and expand.

The Meteora – Pyli Geopark cooperates with various partner organizations for the provision of educational activities. Some of the partners are:

The Centre for Digital Promotion of the History and Culture of Meteora

A special museum with state-of-the-art audiovisual installations. Through special 15-minute 3D films, available in English, visitors can travel millions of years back in time and experience the unique geological phenomenon of Meteora, from its creation to the present day. They can also wander in 3D through the historic monasteries and the surrounding area.

  • Mythological content of Meteora (duration about 15 minutes): travel back millions of years and “live” the creation of the wonderful landscape of Meteora that we all admire today.
  • Projection – Tour of the Holy Monasteries of Meteora (duration about 15 minutes): wander around the sacred rocks and the Holy Monasteries of Meteora with a short tour of all the monasteries you can visit today in Meteora.
Theopetra Cave Documentation and Education Centre

The only site in Greece dedicated to early prehistory. The Theopetra Cave Museum hosts findings from the various prehistoric periods, excavated in the cave of Theopetra (Middle and Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic). There is also a special room where visitors have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the concepts of archaeology and especially prehistory through educational applications.

  • what is the archaeological pit
  • how the presence of the prehistoric inhabitants of the cave was imprinted in the soil
  • what kinds of people lived in prehistoric Theopetra and what materials they used
  • how is the first prehistoric jewelry
  • how our ancestors perceived the passage from life to death
  • which species of plants and animals made up the prehistoric environment of the cave
  • what an ordinary Neolithic household was like

Museum of Natural History of Meteora and Mushrooms

The Museum of Natural History of Meteora and Mushrooms is located in Kalambaka, very close to the city of Trikala, in Thessaly. The museum includes a rich collection of birds and mammals as well as a comprehensive mushroom museum, the first of its kind in Greece. The way the collections are presented through dioramas, represents with absolute accuracy, the natural environment where animals live and mushrooms grow. The excellent quality of the exhibits and the appropriately designed environment prescribe an impressive result and make the museum experience not only pleasant but also productive.

  • Exploring the world of mushrooms: A 60′ educational programme for primary and secondary school students, aimed at introducing them to mushrooms, their nutritional value and exploring the Mushroom Museum.
  • Little birdwatchers: A 60′-70′ program for elementary school students, aimed at observing birds, identifying their characteristics and learning about the Natural History Museum’s collection.
  • Travelling with migratory birds: A 70′-75′ program for 4th-5th grade students, aimed at learning about migratory birds, their migratory corridors, the dangers they face, and raising awareness of their protection.
  • The forest and its inhabitants: A 60′ program for Kindergarten and 1st grade children, which introduces them to the fauna, flora and mushrooms of the forest. Through a story, guided tour and games, children learn about the forest, its biodiversity and the dangers it faces.
  • The long journey begins: A 60′-70′ program for 2nd-6th grade students that introduces them to bird migration. Through role-play, guided tours and art activities, children discover the reasons and stages of migration, while getting to know the Museum’s premises.
  • Water: A source of life for ecosystems: A 70′-75′ programme for students in grades 3 and 5. Children explore wetlands and the Arctic, learning about the importance of water for life. Through multimedia, role-play and activities, they understand the threats to these ecosystems and become familiar with the Museum’s spaces.
Education Centre for the Environment and Sustainability

The activities of the K.P.E. of Pertouli include environmental programmes for students, seminars for teachers, workshops, awareness campaigns and the creation of educational material. The aim is to inform and raise awareness of environmental issues in order to enhance participation in sustainable environmental management and the protection of ecological balance.

  • Renewable energy sources
  • 130.000 years of human presence in the cave of Theopetra
  • Facing global climate change
  • Varousi, the traditional quarter under the castle
  • Lethaios, the river of our city
  • Sustainable spruce forest of Portouli

Cooperation with Scientific Institutions and University

Meteora-Pyli UGGp has cooperation with scientific institutions and universities that conduct research in the Geopark area. Many Greek and foreign universities visit the area as part of their permanent educational activities, such as:

The Department of Geology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The Department of Geology and Geoenvironment of the University of Athens
The Department of Geography of the University of the Aegean
Educational Centre of the University Forest of Pertoulion

The Educational Center of the University Forest of Pertoulion of the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is an official partner of Meteora-Gate aUGGp. The University Forest of Pertouli is located in the Central Pindos of the Prefecture of Trikala and extends between the mountain ranges “Koziaka” and “Boundura” at an altitude of 1,100-1,700 m. It is 220 km from Thessaloniki and 48 km from Trikala, the capital of the prefecture of Trikala. The area occupied is approximately 32 965 hectares, of which 23 618 hectares are forested or partially forested land (fir, pine, etc.), the rest being the community land of Pertoulion and various fields or meadows. It is used for the education of students of the Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, for research and forest management.

Pertouliotika Meadows