The NQ test
With the NQ test, IVN measures children’s nature intelligence (NQ): what do they know about nature and how do they relate to it? NQ is a multidimensional set of human competencies for connecting with nature in a cognitive, emotional and spiritual way. It also measures how these qualities are actively used to support both personal well-being and nature and the planet. The original NQ test is a European concept aimed at young people.
For this study among Grade 8 pupils, the NQ self-test has been adapted for schoolchildren around 12 years old in Grade 8, so that the statements better correspond to the experiences of younger children. Natuurvoormensen created a completely new version of the self-test with different types of questions. Experiences and insights from previous studies with schoolchildren were used for this, such as research into green schoolyards, nature playgrounds and nature experience programmes.
For this study, IVN wants at least 1,000 Grade 8 pupils to take a fun NQ self-test in the classroom. If IVN knows how connected 1,000 pupils feel to nature, it can make statements about the entire population of Grade 8 pupils in the Netherlands.
Important to know
- The pupils participate anonymously; their data will not be collected.
- The name of the school will not be communicated.
Would you like to participate?
For the study into nature intelligence among Grade 8 pupils, IVN is asking as many Grade 8 classes as possible to participate in the fun NQ self-test for the classroom.
As a teacher, you can register your class here register. You will then receive a few weeks later a lovely NQ workbook for each pupil, an accompanying letter about the NQ test and tips for bringing more nature into your lessons. After the pupils have completed the workbook, you can return it in the enclosed return envelope so that the IVN research team can process the results. Would you prefer to participate digitally in the NQ test? You can indicate this and will receive a link for that purpose.