On Tuesday 26th May the theme of nature accompanied us throughout the day. We explored it in the Janów Forests and the ‘Imielty Ług Nature Reserve’. The activities that were conducted there were a result of a fruitful collaboration of Zespół Szkół nr 1 w Kraśniku with the Janów Lubelski Forest District. Our guide, a forester, not only gave a fascinating talk about the fauna and flora of the reserve showing us some examples of unique plantspecies, but also prepared tasks involving the practical application of mathematics to measure the age and height of trees. The forester taught the students how to use professional tools to measure the trees, comparing the results with their own calculations. An added value was the fact that the forester spoke good English, so the participants were able to extend their vocabulary on the topic of nature. In the forest the students, divided into international groups, also carried out other measurements, which they used for calculations during workshops organized in school on Thursday. In Janów Lubelski, we also visited ‘Zoom Natury’ (“Zoom on Nature”) – an ecological centre where the group explored the secrets of nature in four knowledge laboratories: The ‘Zoom on Nature’ main laboratory, Energy and Recycling Laboratory, Forest Undergrowth Laboratory and Laboratory of Avifauna and the Troposphere. We were able to find out about the most interesting facts about nature, natural history, protected species and the natural heritage through modern means of expression. Thanks to multimedia, the content provided an introduction to the most important topics in botany and zoology. Through specially designed lenses and cameras, we could glimpse the secrets of nature invisible to the naked eye. The interactive exhibitions and audio guides allowed every visitor to learn a lot at their own pace about the bird species from the area. In the Energy and Recycling Laboratory we found information on the different types, sources and uses of energy such as the construction of a hydroelectric power station or the mechanisms behind wind farms. The aim of the presentation was to demonstrate the concepts, methods and processes of recycling, and to foster pro-environmental attitudes. ‘Zoom on Nature’ is not only the educational institution, but also a recreational park beautifully located near a forest by the lake, so after the workshops we could take a rest in this peaceful natural area.
