School programmes
One learns in one’s own way; however, learning is most effective when it takes place through experiences, play, and engaging stories. At the Industrial–Ecological–Museum–Educational Centre (IEMIC) in Velenje, students can learn how coal mining developed in Slovenia — from its earliest beginnings to the present day.
Industry also developed rapidly alongside mining. Factories were established, along with new settlements and even a town. However, rapid development has had a substantial impact on the natural environment. Consequently, the inhabitants of the Šalek Valley began to consider how to live and work in the most environmentally friendly manner and to safeguard nature for future generations.
At the Slovenian Coal Mining Museum, through engaging stories, exhibitions and experiences, you will discover the past, understand the present and reflect on the future. The knowledge you acquire here will continue to benefit you for many years to come — both at school and in life.
A number of educational programmes are available, from which you may select the one that most interests you.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
IEMIC – Industrial, Ecological, Museum, and Educational Centre
Within the IEMIC framework, you may choose from the following programmes:
- a visit to the Multimedia Slovenian Coal Mining Museum;
- educational sessions with a pedagogical member of staff from CŠOD (National Centre for School and Outdoor Education); the day educational centre’s programme is listed among the programmes of the National Centre for School and Outdoor Education in Ljubljana;
- educational sessions within the framework of the programme “Between the Underground and Cosmos”, in collaboration between the Slovenian Coal Mining Museum and the Nordung Centre – the Herman Potočnik Noordung Centre for Space Technologies in Vitanje.
Programme Between the Underground and the Cosmos
Educational sessions organised in collaboration between the Slovenian Mining Museum and the Noordung Centre – the Herman Potočnik Noordung Centre for Space Technologies in Vitanje (5 school hours)
Deep beneath the Earth’s surface or high above it — time and again, humanity is confronted with extreme conditions and a sense of isolation beyond the familiar environment of daily life.
The students will briefly assume the role of real miners at the Slovenian Coal Mining Museum. They will don mining equipment, descend 160 metres below ground by lift, and embark on an exhilarating journey through the former drifts of the Velenje coal mine. During the tour, visitors will discover how life and work were carried out deep underground and experience the sensations of darkness, silence, and confined spaces within the subterranean world.
After exploring the underground, they will embark on a journey into space — to the Noordung Centre, the Herman Potočnik Noordung Centre for Space Technologies — where, under expert guidance, they will learn about the mysteries of the universe and the ideas of the Slovenian visionary Herman Potočnik Noordung. The students will learn how people envisage life in outer space and how humans might live in conditions that are inhospitable to them.
In the course of their creative work, they will, drawing on experiences of subterranean and extraterrestrial environments, investigate, reflect upon, and develop their own ideas as to how humans might one day live — in tunnels, on other planets or aboard space stations.