Our main programme – “Education for School Groups” – started in 2004. Based on the expert opinion of National Agency for Teacher Training and Education this programme has been recognised and certified by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education and has been partially financed by them every year. Our longest education project – Dolphin Day celebrated its 25th anniversary in July 2017 and will continue into the future.
The Lošinj Marine Education Centre is the first educational centre about the marine environment on the Adriatic coast. Located in Veli Lošinj, this 160m2 area was re-constructed in cooperation with the City of Mali Lošinj and a corporate sponsor, MOL from Hungary. The purpose of the centre is to increase environmental literacy, specifically about marine conservation, in support of the ultimate goal of the Blue World Institute, which is improved nature protection in the Adriatic Sea.
Permanent exhibition and interactive area
The Centre is split into two distinct parts – the ground floor is a permanent exhibition and interactive area open to the public. The permanent exhibition consists of photos, three-dimensional models as well as multimedia and interactive presentations that explain the complex natural processes of marine ecosystems. The exhibition area includes a special place for pre-school children with simple models and puzzles showing sea animals, colouring plates or drawing and modelling mats. The upper floor is closed to the public and houses a conference room, used for specialised activities such as workshops, lectures, discussions and scientific meetings with a library with scientific, professional and popular literature accessible to all employees. A small laboratory and staff offices are also on this floor. Since opening in 2003, the centre has hosted more than 100,000 visitors, including visits from two Croatian Presidents and Diplomatic Corps. Read more about the centre, present activities and future plans in the section on Science and Education in Lošinj.
Kindergarten and School programmes
We offer ten different workshops that can be adapted for participants of various age groups or interests. Each workshop begins with an interactive lecture, which is also offered separately as a short 45-min module. However, it is strongly recommended to use the workshop as an integrated learning process. The methods used in workshops include discussion, oral presentations, demonstration as well as direct observation and independent student work. The main aim of our workshops is to encourage development of children’s awareness and positive attitude towards nature as well as their interest in natural sciences.
Workshops
We offer standalone interactive and outdoor workshops, held in Croatian or English. It is also possible to arrange workshops with German or Italian translations. Optimal group size for our workshops is 20 to 30 students. For detailed pricing and practical information see the Lošinj Marine Education Centre visitor page to book a workshop, please see the form page. In addition to standard offer, we can tailor the content of the workshops and activities according to your needs, so feel free to contact us with your request.
Dolphin Identification: a two-hour long workshop about dolphin biology, ecology, behaviour and research. Its main objective is to teach students about the individual differences between dolphins helping us recognise them and the method of photo-identification.
Search for Dolphins (includes a boat trip): the workshop includes an introductory lecture on bottlenose dolphin biology, ecology and research and a two-hour long boat excursion in search for dolphins (weather permitting). It is designed for elementary and high school students as well as for children with special needs. Lunch can be provided on the boat at additional cost.
Life on the Sea Shore: a workshop about the biology and ecology of most common plant and animal species in the coastal area of the island of Lošinj designed for elementary and high school students. The lecture is held in the Lošinj Marine Education Centre and fieldwork is conducted on an accessible part of the coast.
Dolphin Adaptations to Marine Life: a two-hour long workshop about dolphin evolution, their anatomy and physiological adaptations to the marine environment, designed for high school students.
Marine Protected Areas: a discussion workshop about nature conservation and environmental protection issues with a primary focus on marine protected areas (marine nature reserves). This workshop is recommended for older students as it requires developed discussion techniques.
Secrets of the Island’s Forest: a sensory workshop in the protected forest in Veli or Mali Lošinj. The purpose of this workshop is to enable students to experience the island’s forests with all five senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste and to learn about the typical plant species of the forests. The workshop includes a relaxed walk through the forest.
The World of Sea Turtles: a workshop about the biology, ecology and study of marine turtles. This workshop will enable students to find out how to identify sea turtle species, what and how do sea turtles eat, their life cycles, threats, their protection and conservation. The introduction to this workshop is held in the Lošinj Marine Education Centre followed by an organised visit to Turtle Rescue Centre in Mali Lošinj.
Marine Fish: a two-hour long workshop about fish anatomy, biology and ecology. This workshop offers an overview of fish taxonomy (classification of species) with an introduction to the more common species in the Adriatic Sea. Students learn about common fishing methods as well as the importance of fish in human nutrition.
The Sea and Us: a workshop about the physical and chemical characteristics of the sea and coast with a special emphasis on the human impact to marine environment. The workshop includes a lecture in the Lošinj Marine Education Centre and fieldwork on the coast. Participants will be encouraged to think critically about the human impact to the marine environment.
Biodiversity in the Sea: a two-hour long workshop that connects various plants and animals in the sea and looks at the interrelatedness of marine life. Students are introduced to various marine species as part of several activities, tasks and games. Food chains, food pyramids and food webs and the networks connecting different marine organisms are explained.
