This worksheet is primarily intended for primary school teachers as a methodological teaching aid. It integrates knowledge from history, chemistry and natural sciences, and offers pupils the opportunity to understand both historical and scientific aspects of mining through practical activities.
The worksheet focuses on the specific natural environment of mining heaps in the area of Špania Dolina, which were formed as a result of mining activities and represent extreme conditions for plant life. Pupils explore how plants have adapted to environments with high concentrations of heavy metals and limited growth conditions.
Through field observations and tasks, pupils:
- explore the characteristics of vegetation on mining heaps,
- identify plant species using mobile applications,
- analyse environmental conditions and their impact on plant growth,
- map the occurrence of plants and assess their abundance,
- create their own digital herbarium and present the results of their observations.
The worksheet includes:
- an introductory text with environmental context,
- a field activity focused on mapping vegetation,
- tables for recording data and analysing results,
- tasks for evaluation and interpretation of observations.
The full worksheet in PDF format, available in Slovak and English, can be found here: Tracing Vegetation on Mining Heaps in Špania Dolina
