PLANET EARTH, SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE FROM ITALIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DRAWINGS

Abstract

he Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) stands as a prominent international research institution in the field of geophysics. Its focus extends beyond scientific exploration, placing significant emphasis on the dissemination of scientific culture and the enhancement of awareness regarding risks and prevention. The overarching goal is to address the community's needs and inquiries related to our planet while engaging society through clear, direct, and efficient communication on scientific research and technological innovations. In a world where citizens need to be well-informed, conscious, and capable of making critical decisions concerning their health and safety, knowledge plays a pivotal role in dispelling doubts and enabling informed choices. Educational initiatives are tailored to raise awareness about Earth sciences and research, fostering an interest in scientific culture. The INGV's calendar project serves as a valuable complement to its dissemination activities with schools. Each year, schools eagerly contribute to this initiative by submitting drawings from pupils, each centered around specific themes within Earth science subjects [1]. Drawing, being a crucial activity for children, not only stimulates their imagination but also serves as an incredible means of expressing emotions. For example, artwork has been used to investigate learning strategies [2], and to analyze children's volcanic risk awareness [3], and their perceptions of the environment [4,5]. The graphic designs of the calendars are developed and realized by the INGV Laboratorio Grafica e Immagini, the Graphics and Images Laboratory [6]. Each project draws inspiration from the competition's theme, considering the diversity of drawings and employing various techniques, colors, and subjects, all while maintaining a focus on the children's contributions. This extensive and unique dataset is being analyzed with a focus on drawings related to competitions that share similar and comparable main topics, beginning with children's perceptions of science and scientists [7]. The current study presents a preliminary analysis of children's perspectives on the climate change, the Planet Earth, its sustainability, and its future.