ORIENTATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND ITS COGNITION: DIVERSITY OF ACTIVITIES AND ASPECTS OF LEARNING THROUGH INQUIRY

The term “classrooms without walls” that appeared in the concept of a good school (2013) encouraged the choice of not only the classroom, but also other spaces, even those outside the school, for education. In nature, there is a great opportunity for the student to develop many competencies, especially cognitive, i.e., to acquire knowledge, improve research skills, develop critical thinking, problem solving, learning to learn abilities. Learning in nature, it is easier to understand the interaction between human and the environment, to notice the aspects of sustainability. 
This article focuses on the cognition of the environment and orientation in it, describes an educational activity, the purpose of which is – to help its participants get to know the area better, explore its objects, improve orientation in the environment and research abilities, teach to be more observant, cooperative. 
Second grade students and second year students, future primary school teachers, participated in the activity. It was another opportunity for the students to learn in a natural environment, communicate and collaborate; to learn not only from nature, friends, but also from older participants. And for female students, it is a great opportunity to get to know students, observe them in their activities, gather experience about children’s knowledge, ability to argue, formulate questions, etc., learn from them, prepare for pedagogical work. 
Keywords: environment cognition, orientation skills, lessons in nature, primary school students, group activities