When a group of students from Woodward Academy traveled to Iceland this spring, they set out with a clear purpose: to explore one of the world’s most unique landscapes while learning about sustainability in action. From the start, the trip was designed to connect their experiences abroad with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global framework adopted by world leaders to promote peace, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

Iceland, often called the “Land of Fire and Ice,” has become a global leader in renewable energy and environmental stewardship. By experiencing how this small island nation uses its natural resources responsibly, students gained an up-close look at how the SDGs can move from ideas on paper to real-world solutions.

Greenhouses That Grow More Than Tomatoes

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Friðheimar Greenhouse, where Icelanders are perfecting the art of growing fresh produce in a land that doesn’t naturally support it. The greenhouses are heated using geothermal energy, a renewable resource that comes from the earth’s heat, and natural light and advanced technology allow farmers to grow tomatoes and other produce year-round. Often described as the “greenest greenhouse,” the site demonstrates how to grow food sustainably without straining the environment.

This visit gave students a firsthand connection to SDG #2: Zero Hunger and SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and Production, where they witnessed how innovation and renewable energy can make it possible to grow food in challenging climates, offering inspiration for solving food security challenges around the world.

Bread Baked by the Earth

Another favorite stop was the geothermal bakery, where students tasted bread baked underground in the hot black sands, a technique that has been used for generations. The experience highlighted how Icelanders use geothermal heat not only to power their cities but also to support everyday life.

This moment connected with SDG #7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG #15: Life on Land, reminding students that communities can live in harmony with their ecosystems when they use natural resources wisely and with respect for the environment.

Beyond the Classroom: Learning in Action

The trip also took students to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where they were able to walk between two continents. At the Hellisheiðarvirkjun Geothermal Power Plant, they witnessed how Iceland powers its cities with renewable energy, a lesson that reinforced SDG #13: Climate Action. A whale-watching cruise introduced them to conservation in action and the importance of protecting marine life, directly tying into SDG #14: Life Below Water.

Each of these experiences reminded students that the Sustainable Development Goals are not abstract ideas. They are goals that can be lived, observed, and studied in real communities around the world.

The Impact on Learning

The journey to Iceland was more than sightseeing. It gave students the chance to see how global challenges such as food security, clean energy, and climate change are being addressed in creative and practical ways. It helped them understand how ecosystems, culture, and innovation are interconnected. Most importantly, it inspired them to bring home ideas that can spark change in their own schools and communities.

At NationsClassroom, we believe that travel is one of the most powerful teachers. By tying trips to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we help students make real-world connections and inspire them to become global citizens.

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