Center for Lifelong Learning

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Fieldwork

The IGOR Center specializes in organizing high-quality fieldwork programs on an educational-ecological estate of approximately ten hectares located near the city of Požega, under the professional and pedagogical guidance of experienced instructors.
 
Fieldwork enables students to actively explore and practically apply knowledge in a real-world environment. It encourages interdisciplinarity, critical thinking, and discovery-based learning through methods such as observation, measurement, and recording. It bridges theory and practice, develops social skills, and increases motivation. It allows for an individualized approach and improves knowledge retention. Evaluation through reports and discussions reinforces learning, preparing students for real-life challenges and problem-solving.
 
We apply several didactic-methodological features of fieldwork, including active learning and an investigative approach, interdisciplinarity, the application of discovery-based learning methods, individualization and differentiation of instruction, the development of practical skills and connections to real life, motivation and experiential learning, as well as evaluation and reflection.
 
The objectives of the activities are to:
- Encourage students’ curiosity and creativity through collaborative learning and an inquiry-based approach.
- Promote learning through discovery in real-life settings.
- Develop students’ observation and analysis skills, and their ability to draw conclusions.
- Introduce students to the flora and fauna of our region through time spent in nature and away from screens.
- Develop life, social, technical and entrepreneurial skills, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.
- Build self-esteem and respect for others.
- Foster a love of nature and the technical sciences.
 
Naslovna terenska nastava 4b OS JK PZ
 
What activities do we offer students in different grades?
Grades 1–2: The Rhythm of the Seasons – autumn and spring flowers
Grades 1–2: Eco Forest Stories – developing environmental awareness through hands-on experiences
Grades 1–4: Apple Days – from picking and tasting apples to drawing
Grades 1–4: Healthy Treats – making healthy treats and learning about balanced nutrition
Grades 1–4: STEM – Robotics for Children, adapted to the students’ age
Grades 1–5: Bread Days – from field to table
Grades 3–4: Finding Your Way in Nature – using natural signs and phenomena, as well as tools such as a compass
Grades 3–6: Young Eco Gardeners – eco-friendly gardening, sowing and planting, composting, humus and more
Grades 3–6: Discovering the World of Bees
Grade 4: The Meadow Community
Grades 4 and 6: Young Meteorologists – precipitation, temperature, humidity, air pressure, winds and moreGrades 4–7: Identifying and Gathering Medicinal and Wild Plants
Grades 5–6: Making Natural Cosmetics
Grades 5–8: Young Entrepreneurs – developing entrepreneurial skills through age-appropriate activities
Grades 5–8: STEM – Robotics, adapted to the students’ age
Grades 7–8: Marindvor Nature Explorers – soil, ecosystems, biodiversity, experiments, erosion, pH and more
Grades 7–8: A New Approach to Learning: Learn Without the Struggle! – learning how to learn, study methods, AI literacy, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, and self-regulated learning
Grades 1–8: Themed Nature Walk – European Mobility Week
Grades 1–8: Earth Day – outdoor activities, ecology and sustainability
Grades 1–8: Developing Life Skills – a range of activities adapted to the students’ age
Grades 1–8: STEM – CB Radio Communication, adapted to the students’ age
Grades 1–8: STEM – Model Making, adapted to the students’ age
Other activities and workshops are available by arrangement.
 
Reviews from teachers:

Learning in Nature – An Unforgettable Day at the IGOR Centre
"On 30 October 2026, I visited the IGOR Educational Centre in Marindvor with my pupils as part of our Nature and Society lessons and the extracurricular activity Young Naturalists.

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by our hosts and by the beautifully prepared grounds, dressed in autumn colours. The centre’s rich natural surroundings are a special asset: an eco-garden, a stream, woodland, a meadow and an apiary come together to offer unique opportunities for exploration and learning.

The activities led by Nikolina were thoughtfully planned and engaging. Her patient and creative approach encouraged the pupils to connect what they had already learned about nature and its laws with firsthand experience through play, exploration and practical activities.

Our visit began beside a crackling fire with an interesting story about meadow animals. The pupils discovered the world of bees, explored how living things adapt to their environments, and put their creativity to work by making an insect hotel. A tour of the eco-garden was another highlight, giving them the opportunity to reflect on the importance of plants and their role in nature.

The pupils’ wish to return in the spring says it all!

A heartfelt thank-you to Igor, Katarina and Nikolina for their warm hospitality, dedication and hard work, and for a wonderful experience we will remember for a long time.

I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the IGOR Educational Centre!"

Lucija Perković, teacher
Catholic Primary School in Požega

 

"On March 25, 2026, we visited the IGOR Educational Center in Marindvor, where an outdoor lesson in Nature and Society was held. With the kind hosts Katarina and Igor, the field lesson with the children was led by the cheerful and patient instructor Nikolina.

We enjoyed a series of excellently designed activities and reinforced our knowledge on the topic of Orientation in Space. We used a compass, searched for treasure—in the yard, garden, and nearby forest—made a simple sundial and a water compass, reviewed natural signs that help us orient ourselves, and finally calmed down by listening to the sounds of the forest and determining from which direction each sound was coming.

We would like to thank the IGOR Center for an outstanding and professionally designed lesson. It was dynamic, engaging, joyful, and inspiring. We look forward to future gatherings with your team!"

Students of Class 3.a, Primary School Julija Kempf Požega and their teacher, Blanka Berger

 

Preschool Fieldwork – Čaglin Kindergarten, 13 March 2026
"Our trip to Marindvor was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience for the children, as well as for us adults. The hosts were exceptionally kind, welcoming, and well-organized, which greatly contributed to the pleasant atmosphere throughout the entire day.
The programme was excellently designed. The children enthusiastically took part in preparing healthy desserts made from granola, yoghurt, and other ingredients, which was not only a fun but also an educational activity. The organized lunch was tasty and suitable for children, and we were especially delighted by the flower-planting activity, where the little ones could learn something new or reinforce what they had already learned while feeling useful and proud.
The entire day was filled with laughter, play, and joy in a safe and stimulating environment. We would certainly recommend this destination to all kindergartens and schools looking for a high-quality and meaningful excursion for children.
Thank you to the hosts for their effort and warm hospitality – we would be delighted to return again!"
Teachers of Dječji vrtić Čaglin
 
"Students from the 1st and 2nd grades of Stjepan Radić Primary School in Čaglin, who participate in the B1 Home Economics activity, had a field trip today to the IGOR Center in Marindvor, near Požega.

We truly don’t have enough words to express how much effort you, together with Nikolina, put into making this day unforgettable for our students and for us adults as well. The day was filled with many interactive and creative activities—singing, movement, drawing, and preparing healthy drinks and desserts that the students happily tasted. Everything was excellent. 😀

The overall experience was further enhanced by a delicious lunch.

The joyful smiles on the children’s faces showed just how much they enjoyed spending the day outdoors in the fresh air.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything.

Teachers Gordana Ereiz and Željka Peić, assistant Marija Hegol, and school counselor Ljiljana Đurđević"

The fieldwork activity “Healthy Desserts” was held on March 12, 2026.

 

"Thank you to the IGOR Centre for a wonderful fieldwor today, October 21, 2025, in Marindvor.
Our day was filled with singing, games, learning in nature, and hands-on activities such as sowing wheat, exploring the process from grain to bread, and taking part in an art workshop.
Once again, all our compliments and gratitude.

Elvira Baričevac, Primary School Teacher
Antun Kanižlić Primary School, Požega"

 
"Today, October 20, 2025, I visited the IGOR Center with my second-grade students to celebrate Apple Day. Our hosts truly put in a great effort. They had something prepared for us at every moment. The space we entered was beautifully decorated with autumn fruits. Apples were already cooking in a pot over the fire, and on the table we were greeted with various old apple varieties and tables prepared for the workshop. The students learned about apples, tasted them, tried freshly pressed apple juice, and were most delighted by the apples dipped in the chocolate fountain and optionally sprinkled with coconut. This was followed by apple picking and finally a quiz. Everything was interesting, dynamic, and perfectly suited to the children’s age.
Class teacher, Julije Kempf Primary School, Požega"
 

"Fiekdwork in Marindvor – Bread Day, October 16, 2025

On the occasion of World Food Day and Bread Day, students took part in an outdoor learning activity in Marindvor on October 16. The space was beautifully decorated in an autumn spirit — with an abundance of fruits, especially pumpkins, and colorful flowers. The insect hotels on display were a special highlight, adding to the charming atmosphere.

Our hosts, Igor and Katarina, welcomed us with genuine enthusiasm. They greeted us warmly, made us feel comfortable, and were extremely helpful and kind throughout our stay. Everything was thoughtfully planned and organized, reflecting great patience and care.

Under the expert guidance of educator Nikolina, students learned through play and hands-on activities about the importance of grains and the process of bread-making — from seed to finished loaf.

The children got to know different types of grains used for baking bread and then kneaded dough themselves, shaping loaves and rolls. They also participated in creating posters dedicated to Bread Day, recited poems, sang songs, and played games, creating a joyful and inspiring atmosphere.

In a nearby field, students sowed spelt and learned about the crops grown in gardens, practically connecting their theoretical knowledge with nature and everyday life. During a walk through the nearby forest, they observed plant life in the woods and meadows, noticing the changes that autumn brings to nature.

This outdoor class was filled with experiential learning, cooperation, and play. Students developed good work habits, discovered the importance of bread in our culture, and learned to appreciate the effort behind every bite. They spent the day in nature, surrounded by curiosity, laughter, and togetherness.

As the sun set beautifully, we said our goodbyes — happily looking forward to the next educational adventure.

Teachers: Irena Topalušić and Zdenka Matković, Antuna Kanižlića Primary School, Požega¨

 

"Bread Days in Marindvor – October 16, 2025

When we were planning and preparing where to go for our field trip this year, we received an invitation from your Center IGOR. The workshop “From Field to Table” immediately caught our attention and seemed like the perfect way to celebrate Bread Day and Thanksgiving for the Fruits of the Earth.

And indeed, the workshop was just as we imagined. Our warm hosts, Igor and Aunt Nikolina, welcomed us with a creative introduction that led us into a magical autumn courtyard. The activities kept us constantly engaged and moving, with everything easily adjusted to suit both the children and us teachers.

First, the children learned to recognize different types of grains and then, using their own hands (because the best way to learn is through experience!), made their own bread rolls. After a short “break” to plant some wheat, we moved on to the second, more imaginative part of our day — creating a poster showing the grains we had discussed and their names, decorated in a unique way with autumn motifs that surrounded us throughout the visit.

The day was filled with fun, play, learning through play, creativity, and song. We left (with our posters and classroom worksheets) full of joy and hope that we will return soon to check on the progress of our wheat.

Class teachers:
Anja Polić, Marija Čokrlić, and Anamarija Sikirić
Ivan Goran Kovačić Elementary School, Velika"

 
 
Educational institutions that have participated in fieldwork with us:
OS Antuna Kanizlica PozegaOS Julija Kempfa Pozega
logo osnovna skola
 
 
 

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