Continuing Education Course for Science Teachers on Wood Experiments at LSIWC

On 28 November, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) hosted a continuing education course for science teachers, dedicated to wood chemistry and physics experiments for use in schools. The aim of the course was to stimulate the interest of students in grades 5–12 in the natural sciences and to strengthen teachers’ competence in teaching about wood as an important renewable resource.

Organised by Latvia's State Forests (Latvijas valsts meži (LVM)) in cooperation with the Latvijas Koks association, the course introduced participants to the methodological resource “Wood Chemistry and Physics Experiments for Grades 5–12” and provided them with a “Wood Science Suitcase” (Lietkoku čemodāns) – a set of wood materials for hands-on activities in the classroom.

Pauls Beķeris’ presentation: wood as an opportunity for Latvia

In the introductory part of the course, Pauls Beķeris, Advisor to AS Latvijas Finieris and President of the Latvijas Koks association, highlighted the significance of wood in today’s economy and education. He emphasised that Latvia is one of the most forest-rich countries in Europe — approximately 53% of its territory is covered by forests, and together with agricultural land, biologically valuable and productive areas account for more than 80% of the country.
Beķeris pointed out that the world is moving away from fossil resources toward renewables, and wood offers rational, biologically grounded solutions to many current and future challenges. He concluded by stressing the importance of education: understanding wood and the bioeconomy is an investment in the next generation and Latvia’s long-term competitiveness.

Group work and practical experiments

Later, participants worked in groups led by Dr.sc.ing. Inese Fiļipova, Head of the LSIWC Cellulose Laboratory; Pauls Beķeris; Kaspars Šķēle, Quality Manager at MEKA Laboratory; and Ilze Bērziņa, Education Ambassador of the Latvijas Koks association.
Teachers explored practical approaches to using the “Wood Toolbox” and took part in chemistry and physics experiments aimed at deepening students’ understanding of wood structure, properties, and applications.

The course also offered an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, explore the Institute’s laboratories, and ask researchers questions related to wood and bio-based material research.

Course organiser from LSIWC, PhD Daniela Godiņa, noted:
“Wood is one of the most extensively researched and also one of the most misunderstood materials. For students, especially in upper grades, it is important to understand that behind this seemingly simple material lie complex chemical processes and many innovations. These courses help teachers convey this story in a scientifically accurate and engaging way.”

Certificate of completion

To obtain a certificate of completion, participants must carry out a classroom trial (aprobācija) by 21 March 2026, implementing one of the wood chemistry or physics experiments with their students. Afterwards, they must submit a brief description of the lesson, conclusions, and photos. After evaluating the submitted materials, the organisers will issue certificates both electronically and by post. Additional information: www.lvm.lv/talakizglitiba

Long-term cooperation with educators

Since 2005, Latvijas valsts meži has offered continuing education courses for teachers on integrating forestry-related topics into the school curriculum. The programmes are developed in cooperation with the University of Latvia’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Educational Innovation and the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute Continuing Education Centre, and are aligned with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia.