Themed walk

A themed walk is a type of informal learning and often is defined by a walk along which there are information boards or other identifying codes (e.g. QR codes) covering a specific topic or theme such as history,^[1] geology or forestry. An academic discipline or school subject can define a theme. A walk can consist of one or more themes. Whilst themed walks are often designed to encourage walking, educational paths and nature trail tend to be aimed more at educating or training.

Themes

For nature-based themes, paths may be several kilometres long and may be used both for educational purposes and recreation. They may connect places, buildings or natural features that have a particular theme in common by a signed route, but may also have specifically positioned exhibits.

For science themes, informal learning provides ways to engage in diverse settings.^[2] For themes related to the nature,^[3] features of nature (e.g. raised bogs or biotopes) or of geology may be laid out as special educational paths.

For themes related to mathematics^[4] or physics, these walks provide objective interpretation of physical objects encountered en route.

Management

Municipal authorities or local societies may be responsible for their establishment and maintenance. Other walks are managed by individuals who are highly knowledgeable in a theme, and host theme-based tours.^[5]

Examples

In Austria there are more than 300 themed walks. These paths are intended to give summer tourism in the Alps a new impulse, but are also helping to improve the network of footpaths.

References

^ Pietrzyk, Cindi D. (2011). Boston's freedom trail : trace the path of American history (9th ed.). Guilford, CT: Gpp Travel. ISBN 978-0-7627-7298-8. OCLC 711046060.
^ Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. 2009-05-27. doi:10.17226/12190. ISBN 978-0-309-11955-9.
^ Feinsinger, Peter; Margutti, Laura; Oviedo, Ramona Dolores (1997-03-01). "School yards and nature trails: ecology education outside the university". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 12 (3): 115–120. doi:10.1016/S0169-5347(96)20104-1. ISSN 0169-5347. PMID 21238003.
^ Wang, Min; Walkington, Candace; Dhingra, Koshi (2021-09-01). "Facilitating Student-Created Math Walks". Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12. 114 (9): 670–676. doi:10.5951/MTLT.2021.0030. ISSN 0025-5769. S2CID 239668375.
^ Horowitz, Alexandra (2013). On looking : eleven walks with expert eyes (First Scribner hardcover ed.). New York. ISBN 978-1-4391-9125-5. OCLC 820149011.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

External links

Math walk

[1] Pietrzyk, Cindi D. (2011). Boston's freedom trail : trace the path of American history (9th ed.). Guilford, CT: Gpp Travel. ISBN 978-0-7627-7298-8. OCLC 711046060.

[2] Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. 2009-05-27. doi:10.17226/12190. ISBN 978-0-309-11955-9.

[3] Feinsinger, Peter; Margutti, Laura; Oviedo, Ramona Dolores (1997-03-01). "School yards and nature trails: ecology education outside the university". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 12 (3): 115–120. doi:10.1016/S0169-5347(96)20104-1. ISSN 0169-5347. PMID 21238003.

[4] Wang, Min; Walkington, Candace; Dhingra, Koshi (2021-09-01). "Facilitating Student-Created Math Walks". Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12. 114 (9): 670–676. doi:10.5951/MTLT.2021.0030. ISSN 0025-5769. S2CID 239668375.

[5] Horowitz, Alexandra (2013). On looking : eleven walks with expert eyes (First Scribner hardcover ed.). New York. ISBN 978-1-4391-9125-5. OCLC 820149011.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

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