The NPP/NEED -project develops the educational use of geo-scientific knowledge for the tourism to reinforce the sustainable rural development in high quality nature sites called Parks (especially World Heritage sites, European Geoparks and national parks and their visitor centres). Special environmental focus is on geo-learning, for example the scientific evidence of glacial geology and climate change. The project produces in transnational cooperation an innovative operational model, which enhances the transfer of scientific nature knowledge for the needs of schools and educational visitors in national parks and visitor centres. The project enhances the awareness of the visitors and the local societies on environmental matters and sustainable development. The project also adds social capital to the international, regional and local networks creating bridges between urban institutions and their databases, park managers and rural tourism SMEs. Achievements: Find newest Study modules with handbooks for teachers and introduction to the study materials developed in the NEED-project at www.uef.fi/need. The Study modules "Elements of Geology", "Landscape", "Geological materials in society and their sustainable use" and "Climate change" are available in English. Study Modules NEED The three project conferences enhanced transnational co-operation and exchange of ideas between the national teams. Geo-Education in Protected Areas was the topic in Iceland in October 2008. Innovative Education Methods were presented and discussed in Finland in June 2009. In Norway, in October 2009 the topic was Learning Environments Fluctuating the Arctic Circle. Conference Proceedings NEED In the beginning of the project, online work space (on Moodle platform) and a video conferencing system were set up for easier communication between the transnational project staff. The project logo was created by a school boy who won the international NEED logo design competition for school children living in the target areas. Hundreds of children participated as part of their classroom work combining arts and science education. Website in Icelandic presents the project to local companies and general public http://www.need.is/ . Also in the beginning, geo-knowledge of the target areas was compiled into Geo-reviews that include the essential geological information for the development of new learning materials and learning environments. National curricula were analysed in each country to ensure that the development of new learning materials and learning environments supports national learning objectives. The reports were distributed to all project staff on the online work space. Geological reviews. In the next phase of the project, study modules were designed and produced. The study modules will be tested by teachers and pupils. The piloting of the study modules with groups of school children is partly on-going and the study modules are improved based on the piloting results. A model to use GIS (geological information system) in schools was developed in Finland and the knowledge was transferred to other teams for local implementation. Some parts of the work on developing and improving learning environments is completed - for example the geo-cultural trail in Linnansaari is ready. Questionnaire of the feasibility analysis is completed and ready to use for surveys in all target areas.Products and services:Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at The Burren Centre, Kilfenora A learning programme designed for school students aged 10-12 that compliments the Burren Centre's exhibition 'A Walk Through Time' on subjects such as 'the last ice age, the Burren's winter climate, impacts of climate change and disappearing glaciers'.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/ireland-needresources/Title: Introductory Guide to the Geology of the Burren ("Stone, Water and Ice - A geology trip through the Burren"")" Illustrated guide to 9 easily accessible geosites in the Burren, explaining the main geological and geomorphological features and describing the complex geological processes behind them in a non-technical language for visitors, teachers and students.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/burren/stonewaterice/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at the Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-Op A network of farmers offering guided tours, imparting their expert knowledge on farming, archaeology, culture and local history. For each Farm Heritage Tours Co-Operative Member a geology audit is carried out resulting in tailored information on the geological features of each farm that is integrated in a resource pack and an introductory training on geology and landscape is delivered to each member.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.farmheritagetours.comTitle: GIS/Google Earth Visualisations A series of digital maps and 3D visualisations as an innovative means of viewing, investigating and interacting with geological maps and models of the Burren region.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/gis-google-earth/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre A staff training course to up-skill the staff of the Cliffs of Moher in their general knowledge of the geology of the Cliffs and to provide educational modules that will make the best use of the exhibits and the surrounding landscape.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/ireland-needresources/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at Burrenbeo Trust Study module introducing students to using GIS datasets of the Burren region designed for schools to use as part of their ICT training.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/ireland-needresources/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at the Burren Outdoor Education Centre Educational resources, including maps, information posters, interactive Google Earth maps, to be used in the Burren Outdoor Education Centre's programmes and an evening course for local people working in nature based businesses and for local teachers.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/ireland-needresources/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at the Burren National Park Educational module, including activities like map reading and interpreting landscape formations, that can be carried out at schools or at the Burren National Park for school students aged 10 - 12. More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/ireland-needresources/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at the East region of Vatnajökull National Park Courses, learning visits and education resource on the Vatnajökull national park piloted by schools and institutions in the East region of Iceland. More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/needTitle: Learning Environment for geo-education at the North region of Vatnajökull National Park Courses, learning visits and education resource piloted by schools and institutions in the North region of Iceland. A conference on educational tourism was organised to upskill local people working in nature based businesses.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at the West region of Vatnajökull National Park An outdoor environmental education for elementary school children to learn about nature and geology and develop skills for outdoor recreation and an educational footpath with 26 signposts presenting geology and culture of the area.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, Title: Learning Environment for geo-education for schools at the South region of Vatnajökull National Park Courses and fieldtrips for schools to raise knowledge about geology and nature and a Masters Course in Management of Protected Areas and in Environmental and Cultural Tourism.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education for tourism at the South region of Vatnajökull National Park Information material and educational paths introducing visitors of Skaftafellsjökull glacier to geology and nature. Exhibits and conferences organised to raise environmental awareness and upskill local people working in nature based businesses.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Study module geology of the North Vatnajökull area Geoscience education module, including field trips, giving insight to geological fieldwork and research aimed at students majoring in natural science in the upper secondary school (17-20 years old).More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/needTitle: Study module "The adventure Island Iceland""" Study module on geology, landscape and natural hazards and the human effect on nature and landscape for school students aged 11-15, including a handbook for teachers.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Study module "Lónsöraefi - the secret of the region Vatnajökull""" Study module on the geology of the South region of the Vatnajökull National Park for school students aged 15-16, including a handbook for teachers.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Education Resource Pack with 8 Educational Modules for schools, visitor centres and nature based businesses Education resource pack on geology, geography and environment of the Burren for teachers and students of geology at national and secondary schools, colleges and universities.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.geoneed.org/burren/stonewaterice/Title: Landscape and Geology Adult Evening Course Adult evening course on geology to encourage better visitor interpretation of the Burren landscape and its geology and geomorphological features among guides and nature-based businesses.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Geological information system study modules, connected to National Parks of Koli and Leivonmäki Study modules, based on Google Earth, on how to use digital map products and make spatial analyses, including a teacher's handbook and GIS data, for schools.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/need/elements-of-geologyTitle: Study module "River processes"" for Nordland National Park" Study module, made up of theoretical assignments and fieldwork, providing insight on how rivers change landscapes over time, including a handbook for teachers.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/need/landscapeTitle: Study module "Hollows in the ground"" for Nordland National Park" Study module, made up of theoretical assignments and fieldwork, providing insight on how landscape is formed, including a handbook for teachers.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/need/landscapeTitle: Study module "Good and Bad Geology"" for Nordland National Park" Study module, made up of theoretical assignments and fieldwork, providing insight into climate change and problems connected to CO2, including a handbook for teachers.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/need/landscapeTitle: Geo-lab at Nordland National Park Centre A new physical geo-lab installation providing the possibility to study how river terraces are formed for schools and visitors of Nordland National Park.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at Storjord, Nordland National Park Education package including handbooks, an educational animation film, and paper and digital maps for schools and visitors of the Nordland National Park and a one-day geo-scientific course for several SMEs, State rangers and local people in the Storjord area, improving their geo-knowledge and thereby enhancing the development of their businesses.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Study module "Rocks around us""" Study module on geological topics, linking them to society and sustainability for school students aged 11-15. It includes new teaching material and handbooks for teachers and guides.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/fi/need/geological-materials-in-society-and-their-sustainable-useTitle: Learning Environment for geo-education at the Finnish Stone Centre New setting for learning and new equipment, e.g., simple research equipment and posters, to be used in connection with the study module 'Rocks around us'.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Study module 'Koli Landscape' for Koli National Park Study module explaining the formation of the mountains and landscape forms of the Koli National Park to increase the understanding of touristic visitors and schools students of the geo-diversity values of the landscape.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/fi/need/landscapeTitle: Learning Environment for geo-education at Koli National Park New outdoor and indoor physical settings and learning materials and new equipment to be used in connection with the study module 'Koli landscape' and the GIS module.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/fi/need/landscapeTitle: Learning Environment for geo-education at Leivonmäki National Park A nature trail in the Leivonmäki National Park on geology and history of the surrounding nature and landscape for visitors. Learning material with handbook connected to the trail for teachers and guides.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/Title: Learning Environment for geo-education at Rantasalmi A geo-cultural trail with signposts presenting how geology is connected with different pre-historical and historical episodes of human life and communities in Rantasalmi village and in the Finnish Lakeland.More information see: http://nppoutcomes.eu/, http://www.uef.fi/fi/need/landscape