The History and Structure of the Tartu Nature House Hobby School
The Tartu Nature House Hobby School has a long and exciting history. We have grown from a gathering place for children and young people interested in nature into a multifaceted hobby school where students learn about nature, science, technology, and creativity.
Our goal is for children and young people to notice the nature around them, learn about it, and grow into people who care about living creatures and their environment.
About the History of Our Hobby School
June 23, 1953 – The Tartu City Young Naturalists’ Station was established, which later evolved into today’s Nature House hobby school.
2002 – A change in ownership took place, and the city government-run hobby school became a private hobby school.
Our History and Traditions
Learning about nature and experiencing it firsthand has always been at the heart of Tartu Nature House’s activities. Over the years, the learning environment, extracurricular clubs, and activity options have changed, but a love of nature and the joy of discovery have remained the foundation of our work.
In addition to weekly interest groups, nature camps, field trips, student conferences, quizzes, creative contests, and joint projects play an important role in the school’s activities.
These give students the opportunity to share their knowledge, try new activities, develop their confidence in public speaking, and make friends who share their interests.
Read more about the history of the Tartu Nature House (PDF) →
Learn about the school’s activities and traditions →
Our Values
We want a nature-conscious and environmentally friendly way of life to endure in Estonia from generation to generation. In pursuing this goal, we are guided by three core values.
Environmental Friendliness
We value the diversity of nature and a clean living environment. We act in an environmentally conscious and responsible manner and encourage others to protect nature as well.
Caring
We care for nature and for people as part of it. We are friendly, attentive to one another, and value the well-being of both others and ourselves.
Openness
We are flexible and open to new ideas and collaboration. We believe that through shared knowledge and action, we can make the world a better place.
Collaboration and Networks
The Tartu Nature House Hobby School collaborates with other educational institutions, nature education organizations, and international networks.
We are members of the following programs and associations:
- Eco-Schools Global – to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
- UNESCO Associated Schools Baltic Sea Project (BSP) – for international cooperation in environmental education.
- Estonian Association of Hobby Schools – for the development of hobby education and cooperation with other hobby schools.
- Estonian Association for Science-Based Extracurricular Education – we are a founding member of the association.
Structure of the Hobby School
The work of the hobby school is organized by the director, hobby instructors, and the academic director. Educational activities are divided into three areas: natural and exact sciences, technology, and visual arts and crafts.
Management of the Hobby School
Director: Madli Must
Activity Leaders: Tiina Lilleleht and Liisi Tattar
Academic Director: Pille-Riin Pärnsalu
The extracurricular groups are led by teachers and instructors who support the development of children’s and young people’s interests, knowledge, and practical skills.
Meet the school’s teachers and instructors →
Extracurricular School Program Areas
The hobby school’s interest groups are divided into three major areas. Click on an area of interest to see the interest groups included in it.
Natural and Exact Sciences
In the clubs in this area, students learn about nature and how it works. They study plants, animals, birds, insects, rocks, and various habitats, and conduct practical observations and experiments.
Extracurricular Clubs
- Baby Club
- Animal Lovers
- Geodetectives
- Ornithology
- Hiking Club
- Kitchen Scientists
- Zoology
- Natural Sciences
- Plant Experts
- Nature Lovers
- Insect Club
- Aquatic World*
* The Water World club will not be held this school year.
Technology Track
In the Technology track’s interest groups, practical activities, experimentation, building, and creative problem-solving play a key role.
Students learn about tools, materials, and technological solutions, and discover how to use resources in an environmentally friendly way.
Extracurricular Clubs
- Technology and Recycling
- Woodworking
- Tinkerers
- Environmental Monitoring and Digital Solutions*
* The Environmental Monitoring and Digital Solutions interest group will not be offered this academic year.
Visual Arts and Crafts Track
The Visual Arts and Crafts track combines learning about nature with creativity and hands-on activities.
Students can draw inspiration from nature, experiment with various art techniques, and use materials thoughtfully and creatively.
Extracurricular Clubs
- Eco-Friendly Design
- Nature in Art
- Animal Art
- Nature Photography*
* The nature photography club will not be offered this school year.
The composition of extracurricular clubs may change from one academic year to the next. You can find the schedule and registration options for this academic year on the extracurricular clubs and class schedule page.
More about the Hobby School
Extracurricular Activity Schedule →