Welcome
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas recognized worldwide for their sites and landscapes of international geological significance. These areas are managed holistically, promoting protection, education, and sustainable development. Four Geoparks have banded together with universities to bring forth new educational resources for teachers and students. These are the Buzău Land Geopark in Romania, the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark in Ireland, the Tuscan Mining Geopark in Italy, and the Sunnhordland Geopark in Norway.
In collaboration with The University of Western Norway and The University of Stavanger, they are collaborating on the GeosSite project to equip teachers with further knowledge and effective tools for teaching natural sciences, both in general and within their own geoparks. To address the common transportation challenges schools face, the project showcases some of the more remote geological gems in each participating geopark through virtual tours and state-of-the-art educational resources, paired with student activities. Additionally, pedagogical approaches for active learning are suggested.
The vision of the UN and UNESCO is to foster connections between people to share sustainable ideas and values regarding society and our natural environment. The partners of the GeoSite project are a dedicated team from four nations, adding significant value to their respective geoparks. We hope that this website will prove of value for teachers and schools beyond the geoparks as well.
UNESCO Global Geoparks
Find out about what UNESCO Global Geoparks are and their actions in their communities. And get some further general information on Natural sciences including Geology.
Resources
Geological Timeline tool
Discover our planet’s history and evolution and try to comprehend what we mean by 4.6 billion years in the past.
Dialogue card game
A useful tool to start a conversation with your students either in the classroom or outdoors.
Other recommended online resources
Discover a curated list of recommended online resources about geology and geoparks, perfect for deepening your knowledge, planning visits, or finding educational materials.
Guidelines
Active learning approaches
A description of various pedagogical approaches useful when teaching natural sciences; i.e cooperative learning and dialogic teaching. With examples and practical tips.
Lesson plans
Examples of lesson plans concerning natural sciences and geoparks for use in the classroom or in the outdoors. A set of practical guidelines for outdoor excursion is also proposed.
Educational guidelines for geoparks
Information for new or established Geoparks on how to develop and enhance their education programme.
Geopark partners
UNESCO Global Geopark Sunnhordland
In Sunnhordland you’ll always be close to a geosite where rock, landscape and exhibitions offers both insights and views. Explore the soul of Sunnhordland, blended in our nature and culture.
Joyce County & Western Lakes Geopark
Ice-carved mountains and lakes, bikes and trails, world cup trout, castles and ruins, gorgeous villages, wondrous food drinks and culture.
Buzau County UNESCO Global Geopark
The Buzăului UNESCO Geopark is located in the south-east of Romania, in the bend of the Eastern Carpathians. The geopark includes many geological and paleontological sites of great scientific value, including unique geological phenomena.
Tuscan Mining UNESCO Global Geopark
The geological features of the Geopark have resulted from the long and complex geological evolution of southern Tuscany associated mainly with the formation of the local mountain chain (Apennine chain).