The Erasmus week started at the Moskovská school in Banská Bystrica with a warm welcome from the headmistress. After that the Slovak students took their twins and teachers to a guided tour of the school and its many special rooms and classes, such as physics, chemistry or biology, school´s kitchen, gym… They also learned about the week’s program and formed international working groups to foster collaboration from the very start.
Later, a bus took the group to Technical University in Zvolen for a presentation about climate change and its impact given by a university lecturer, Doc. Ing. Peter Fleischer, PhD. This session provided a scientific foundation for the week’s theme and sparked thoughtful discussion.
The next stop was Arboretum Borova hora, a living laboratory for climate education. Here, under the guidance of professionals from the university, students were engaged in hands-on fieldwork: they measured CO2 uptake through photosynthesis, and CO2 release from soil respiration.
This practical experience allowed students to apply scientific methods in a real-world setting and better understand the ecological consequences of a warming planet.
After the fieldwork, students enjoyed lunch in Zvolen and had time to chat, reflect, and explore the town’s main square.
To wrap up the day, students’ knowledge was tested in interactive review activities with a Climate Change Quiz.
It was a full and inspiring first day—blending science, nature, and international exchange and hard work to kick off the week with energy and purpose.
