How Ecological Parks Are Transforming Biology Lessons
Imagine a biology lesson where students don't just read about cellular structure in a textbook, but discover it while surrounded by living plants in a vast Arctic garden. This is the new frontier of science education.
In the heart of the Khibiny Mountains, within the Arctic Circle, the N.A. Avrorin Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute (PABSI) is pioneering a revolutionary approach to science education. Here, schoolchildren trade their classroom walls for 1,670 hectares of protected wilderness, turning an entire ecological park into a living laboratory 4 . This innovative method is part of a global movement to enhance biological education by moving learning beyond school premises and into the vibrant, real-world settings of ecological parks.
As one Russian study notes, this approach resolves a critical contradiction: the gap between the necessity to update biology courses and the lack of scientific justification for studying certain topics in the rich environment of an ecological park 1 .
By bringing students into direct contact with the subjects of their study, educators are not just teaching biology—they are fostering a lasting connection with the vital nature that sustains us all.
Why Textbooks Aren't Enough: The Science of Learning in Nature
The traditional biology lesson, confined to the four walls of a classroom, often struggles to convey the dynamic, interconnected nature of living systems. Ecological parks, with their diverse collections of plants, natural vegetation, and specialized facilities, offer an immersive educational environment where abstract concepts become tangible experiences 1 .
Educational research suggests that learning in these settings follows a "medium-based approach" — where the environment itself becomes a fundamental component of the educational process, not merely a backdrop for it 1 . This approach recognizes that the surroundings contain conditions and resources that significantly influence learning outcomes. In essence, the environment doesn't just host education; it actively participates in it.
Learning Environment Comparison
The Polar-Alpine Garden: A Case Study in Outdoor Learning
Founded in 1931 by Professor N.A. Avrorin, the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute was established to advance Soviet botany in extreme northern conditions 4 . Today, it serves a dual purpose: both a research institution with 125 staff members including 8 doctors of sciences and 19 PhDs, and an educational center that welcomes thousands of visitors annually 4 .
Protected Natural Area
Preserving indigenous vegetation across all high-altitude zones of the Khibiny Mountains 4 .
Specialized Nurseries
Containing over 400 species of local plants, from trees and shrubs to tundra species 4 .
Thematic Collections
Including the "Garden of Snowdrops," "Rocky Garden," and "Living Herbarium" 4 .
Educational Trails
Like the "Eco-trail" demonstrating the altitudinal zonation of mountain vegetation 4 .
Testing the Hypothesis: Does Learning in Nature Really Work?
To scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of ecological parks as learning environments, researchers conducted a structured study at the PABSI ecological park 1 . The investigation aimed to determine whether students would better master biological concepts when taught in this rich, real-world setting compared to traditional classrooms.
Methodology and Program Design
At the initial stage, researchers surveyed 90% of biology teachers in the schools of Apatity city in the Murmansk region 1 . The results revealed a clear divide:
Based on these findings and the official Russian biological education standards, researchers developed an original educational program called "Kola Land Nature" 1 .
Program Alignment with Curriculum
Results and Analysis
The data collected from this educational experiment confirmed the researchers' hypothesis: using the program as a supplement to the basic school biology course improved students' mastery of the material 1 .
| Learning Activity | Biological Concepts Addressed | Documented Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Studying plant adaptations in the "Rocky Garden" | Plant kingdom, ecosystem interactions | Improved understanding of structural adaptations |
| Cellular observation using local species | Cellular structure of organisms | Enhanced comprehension of cell biology |
| Eco-trail exploration | Ecosystems, biodiversity | Strengthened grasp of ecological relationships |
| Comparative analysis in nurseries | Diversity of fauna, plant classification | Increased retention of taxonomic knowledge |
The success of this program demonstrates that the educational environment of an ecological park provides a significant advantage for mastering complex biological concepts. The hands-on, immersive experience helped students move beyond abstract memorization to develop a genuine understanding of living systems.
The Scientist's Toolkit: Resources for Ecological Park Learning
Implementing successful biology education in an ecological park requires more than just the natural environment—it demands careful planning and specific resources.
| Resource Type | Specific Examples | Function in Educational Process |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Infrastructure | Greenhouses, nurseries, "Living Herbarium," eco-trails 4 | Provides diverse, accessible biological specimens and ecosystems for study |
| Curriculum Materials | "Kola Land Nature" program, lesson plans, student handouts 1 | Aligns park resources with official educational standards and learning objectives |
| Assessment Tools | Evaluation criteria, knowledge tests, skill demonstrations 1 | Measures learning outcomes and program effectiveness |
| Digital Enhancements | Identification apps, virtual tours, online databases | Extends learning beyond the physical visit and provides additional context |
The PABSI has developed several specialized programs that leverage these resources, including "Journey into the World of Northern Nature," "In the Kingdom of Plants," and "Gardening Therapy for Children and Adolescents" 1 . Since October 2017, the garden has also hosted the "Polar Young Naturalists" club, which implements a comprehensive biology program centered on the nature of the Kola region for students in grades 6-7 1 .
Beyond the Arctic: Global Implications for Science Education
The success of the PABSI educational model has implications far beyond the Arctic Circle. As educational systems worldwide seek to improve STEM engagement and ecological literacy, ecological parks offer a proven framework for transformative learning.
This approach aligns with broader global initiatives like the "Strategy for Sustainable Development" adopted at the 1992 United Nations Conference, which specifically highlighted the importance of developing botanical gardens and ecological parks as educational centers 1 . This international recognition underscores the vital role these institutions can play in shaping future generations.
The research from the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden demonstrates that the educational benefits extend beyond knowledge acquisition to include the development of value orientations and environmental stewardship among students 1 .
Growing the Next Generation of Scientists
The innovative work happening at the N.A. Avrorin Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute represents more than just a new teaching method—it's a fundamental reimagining of where and how biological education can occur.
By transforming an entire ecological park into an educational environment, researchers and teachers have found a powerful way to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and lived experience.
As the study concludes, the strategic use of ecological parks as educational settings doesn't just improve test scores; it helps form a holistic worldview where students understand their place within the natural systems they study 1 .
In an era of unprecedented environmental change, this connection may be the most important lesson biology can teach.
The success of this model offers a blueprint for educators everywhere: sometimes, the most advanced classroom technology is simply a path through a garden, and the most effective teaching tool is the living world itself.