Piovono idee! diventa progetto continuità

Abstract

Piovono idee! (Cloudy with a Chance of ideas!) is the participative scientific dissemination initiative of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia on environmental education designed specifically for the last two primary school classes (ISCDE 1) and the first middle school class (ISCDE 2), so it was chosen by the “Don Milani” (ex ISA1) comprehensive institute of La Spezia as continuity project between the two different school orders for the school year 2017/2018. The aim was to promote scientific culture in Primary and Middle Schools emphasizing the importance of Science in everyday life in order to favor sustainable development of Society. To knowledge the mechanisms that regulate the environment is increasingly important and the educational dialogue between School and Research endorses reflection starting from the sharing of personal experiences on the flood phenomena that often affect the area of la Spezia with a participatory experimental approach. Piovono idee! is an interactive learning experience on hydrogeological risk and climate change. The active path is rich of experiments, educational-scientific laboratories and interactive exhibits to better understand the geological phenomena through manipulation. The team role-playing games reinforce and stimulate emotional intelligence instilling correct behaviour and best practices. Visitors spontaneously ask questions in the area of experience, and find answers in the area of knowledge, learn the key concepts through learning by doing activities and conclude with role playing to reflect on the sustainability of their daily behavior (area of action). The exploration of Geosciences becomes a mean of raising pupils’ awareness of environmental problems by understanding natural phenomena. They learn that, through active and responsible citizenship actions, coexistence with natural hazards is possible. We can all do something to prevent catastrophes if we respect Nature and our territory.