The purpose of this thesis was to create a guidance package for Seitseminen Visitor Center’s use. The theme of the guidance package was biodiversity and it was planned for upper comprehensive school students. The thesis was commissioned by Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services of Southern Finland.

The thesis consists of theory, the description of the planning process and the finished guidance package. The theory part contains basic information on Seitseminen National Park and biodiversity. The theory also deals with environmental education by viewing its contents and methods. The description of the planning process views the process and the methods that were used. The finished guidance package is included in the appendices.

The guidance package contains two parts. The first part is guidance at school that is presented by a guide from Metsähallitus. The second part is a tour in Seitseminen Visitor Center’s exhibition “The Shelter of the Forest”. The planning of the guidance package was based on the model of continual improvement. Key issues were defined to facilitate the planning process. Also Seitseminen Visitor Center’s staff was interviewed and a structured survey was sent to selected biology teachers. The guidance at school was tested on two classes.

The most important method used in the guidance package was functionality. Also the visual aspect was essential. Biodiversity is presented through nature features of Seitseminen National Park, conservation of nature and restoration work carried out in Seitseminen. The guidance at school consists of a theory part and a game called Seitsemisen lumo. The guidance material contains the guide text material and a PowerPoint data file. The Shelter of the Forest exhibition guidance is based on a guided tour and tasks related to it. The material for the exhibition guidance includes a text material for the guide and a worksheet for students.