Synnøve Smebye Botnen

Synnøve Smebye Botnen is an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University, affiliated with the Faculty of Teacher Education and International Studies, Department of Kindergarten Teacher Education. She teaches in the areas of nature, health, and movement within the kindergarten teacher training program and is part of the science section. Her research focuses on nature and outdoor education, fungi in kindergartens, and pedagogical methods for sustainable development.

Her research interests span Mycology, Molecular Ecology, Nature and Outdoor Education, and Children's Connection to Nature. She is involved in the research groups Sustainability, nature, health and movement and Language and learning environment in kindergarten and school (SAMBA). A current project, Gathering time, explores cultural heritage understanding among kindergarten teacher students.

Her recent publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus, combining environmental microbiology with early childhood pedagogy. Themes include fungal ecology in urban and natural environments (e.g., daycare centers, arctic regions) and innovative teaching methods such as assertion games and place-based learning. Her work bridges biological sciences and educational practice.

No scientific awards are listed in the provided text.

Synnøve Smebye Botnen is actively involved in student learning and curriculum development, particularly in nature, health, and movement education. She collaborates on projects enhancing the kindergarten as a learning environment and integrating peer assessments. While specific grants are not mentioned, her active research projects and publications indicate ongoing funding and scholarly engagement.

She contributes to research groups such as Sustainability, nature, health and movement and SAMBA, and participates in national and international academic networks including ETEN and NERA. Her work emphasizes the integration of scientific knowledge with practical early childhood education contexts.