School in a quarry

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Replica of a thickly overgrown ditch with newts (left hand on top) and snails

Objective

The aim of the project was to allow young people to explore the special features of nature found in extraction sites. The underlying message was that mineral extraction does not destroy nature in the long run, but rather creates opportunities for special habitats and their rare inhabitants.

Context

The HeidelbergCement AG Schelklingen cement plant quarry is at the heart of a trial project that aims to optimise the balance between the quarrying of raw materials and nature conservation. Indicators for measuring biodiversity both qualitatively and quantitatively are being developed and tested in order to make the conservation value of quarrying sites and the effects of nature conservation measures both measurable and predictable before, during and after quarrying.

On site co-operation with schools has been going on for several years and intensified in 2008. In the run-up to this two meetings were held, with the participation the head of the school, teachers, staff members and accompanying biologists. Teaching aids were provided partly by the school, but predominantly by the cement company.

Solutions

About 80 children from the first and second as well as the fifth and sixth grade attended “school in the quarry” on four mornings in early summer. The starting point was well screened from the ongoing extraction works, but allowed a view over the entire quarry, thus maintaining a reference to the extraction process.

Standing amidst the various quarry habitats, the children saw, recorded and understood:
Which plants and animals could be found in a specific location
How to classify the species found
What is special about them
Why the diversity of rare species in extraction sites is outstanding.

Classifying and specifying were central issues of the programme. Many of the children managed to use a simple identification key by themselves. In the end, all groups presented their work and gave an account of their impressions.

Results

Feedback from the groups demonstrated that pupils and their teachers reacted positively to the event. They continue to remember the day very well and still possess a very detailed knowledge. The classrooms were decorated with photos and hand-painted pictures. The quarry is now seen as a vivid habitat for animals and plants, even rare ones.