Saying that excursions at Usum School are valued no less than the classroom learning process would be an understatement. For elementary school students, education is never confined to the classroom walls. At our school, the most effective form of learning is often chosen — real-life experience. Within the framework of September trips, our younger students visited the Museum of Nature of Armenia and the Yerevan Zoo.
And why were these destinations chosen? The answer is clear: the motivation behind selecting such directions lies in fostering ecological education and instilling a sense of care for the environment. Established back in the 1950s, the Museum of Nature of Armenia presents samples of the country’s flora and fauna, as well as a rich collection of birds and fish.
“When children see in real life what they usually learn from textbooks, the knowledge becomes much more solid,” teachers emphasize. Each hall of the museum brings children closer to nature and reminds them of the importance of protecting it.
Visits to the Yerevan Zoo are no less important. This unique blend of entertainment and education was established in 1940. While in the beginning the zoo housed only a few species, today it is home to nearly 200 species of animals — both native to Armenia and brought from different corners of the world.
For younger students, the most impressive moments are those when they see wolves, bears, tigers, or exotic birds up close. “In class we learn about animals, but here everything is real and alive,” noted one fourth-grader.
No analysis would be complete without including the observations of teachers. According to educators, such extracurricular visits hold great educational value. Anna Manasyan, a third-grade teacher and former research associate at the Museum of Nature of Armenia, explains that beyond sparking curiosity about biodiversity, these destinations encourage teamwork, strengthen friendships, and reinforce environmental awareness. “When children see animals with their own eyes, they begin to treat nature with more care and thoughtfulness,” she told usumschool.am.
According to elementary school teachers, such trips not only leave beautiful memories for students, but also form the very foundation upon which a responsible attitude toward nature is built․
To not think freely is to not think at all!
