Climbing walls in Earth Sciences education: an interdisciplinary approach for the secondary school (1st level)

Irene Maria Bollati (1), Cristina Gatti (2), Monica Paola Pelfini (2), Livianna Speciale (2), Lorenzo Maffeo (1) & Manuela Pelfini (1)
1) Earth Science Department "A. Desio", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 34, 20133, Milan, Italy. (2) Istituto Comprensivo di Corso Cavour, Scuola secondaria primo grado "Leonardo da Vinci". Corresponding author e-mail: irene.bollati@unimi.it.

Rock cliffs equipped for climbing represent a new tool in education. Results of an interdisciplinary educational project, Gekologia, focusing on Earth Sciences and Physical Education, are here presented. Gekologia was tested by 2 classes from a secondary school (1st level, 3rd year; Pavia, Lombardy). Fieldtrip and geoclimbing activity were carried out at the Uriezzo Glacial Garden and Premia- Balmafredda cliff (Piemonte). They focused on cliff features, rock glacial modelling and motor action in climbing. The main aim was to help students in acquiring the ability to recognize the local most important lithotypes, the relationship between geology and climbing progression and the concept of landscape modelling, in order to get competences exportable in different environments. Teaching and evaluation were based on traditional strategies and student drawings realized observing climbers' progression on site and through multimedia material. First results confirm the importance of interdisciplinary approaches including fieldwork and new technologies.

Earth Sciences education, Physical Education, Climbing walls, Interdisciplinary approach, Geodiversity.