PAPER VOLCANOES LAB: ENGAGING YOUNG CHILDREN WITH EARTH SCIENCE

Abstract

Because of limited activities are designed for early childhood children on geoscience natural hazards we have been exploring playful approaches to let young children to familiarize with them starting with volcanoes. In fact, learning theory suggests the we need to incorporate a wide range of skills and competencies in the learning process, not just cognitive skills, and development is dependent upon such interactions [1].

Here we introduce the recently funded by IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics) pilot project which will allow teachers and educators of children of pre-primary and primary education based in developing countries of Eastern Africa to familiarize with Earth Science through engaging object play Paper Volcanoes Laboratory (PVL) program.

Paper Volcanoes Laboratory is an experience based activity created within INGV Educational group, which in the last five years resulted to engage hundreds of children [1, 2]. The activity has been detailed within a paper and organized in a practical Paper Volcano Laboratory toolkit (PVLtoolkit) enriched with pedagogical elements. The PVLtoolkit has been tested in the last four years, during six INGV open days, three pre-school centers in Italy and three in New Zealand [3]. The activity results in a highly engaging experience for children beyond the Western cultural background such as Italy and New Zealand, which live in volcanically active countries.

The project aims to enhance the educational opportunities and experiences of pre-school children and school-aged children in Africa through connecting them with an understanding of volcanoes and as well as their cultural significance. In addition, the project aims to connect educators with scientific and geological experts to craft rich learning opportunities.