Revitalizing Earth Science Education in Italian Upper Secondary Schools: Crafting New Educational Materials Aligned with National Guidelines

The study of Natural Science, covering Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences, is mandatory in Italian Upper Secondary Schools, lasting 2 to 5 years, guided by National Guidelines (D.M. no. 211 of 7/10/2010), with a specific 4-year mandate for Earth Sciences activities. These activities emphasize "observation and experimentation in the classroom and in the field," employing multidisciplinary approaches. Despite the emphasis on Earth Sciences, research suggests Italian teachers tend to neglect this field compared to Chemistry and Biology. This bias may arise from a perception that the latter subjects are more crucial for university enrolment (Greco e Gualtieri, 2010; Occhipinti, 2014). Such attitudes may result from the diverse academic backgrounds of Natural Science educators, spanning Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Agriculture (DPR 19/2016 and DM 259/2017).  

To understand the challenges in teaching Earth Science, a survey was conducted among Italian upper secondary school teachers last year (Gravina T. & Iannace A., 2023). Results highlighted the need for new teaching materials in Earth Science to align with National Guidelines, especially concerning the hours dedicated to Earth Science lessons.  

Consequently, we initiated the development of a specialized 5-year Earth science curriculum tailored for Liceo students (Classico, Linguistico, Scientifico, Scienze Umane). Here, we present the curriculum, designed to address the challenges faced in particular by teachers without a geological background, offering support in creating engaging and hands-on Earth science lessons. The curriculum underwent review by a group of Italian upper secondary school teachers to gather feedback and finalize it before implementation in schools next year. 

  

Gravina, T., & Iannace, A. (2023). Earth science teaching in Italian Upper secondary school: the floor to Natural Science teachers. In The Geoscience paradigm: resources, risk and future perspectives. Congresso congiunto SIMP, SGI, SOGEI, AIV, Potenza (Italy), 19-21 settembre 2023.  

Greco, R., & Gualtieri, A. F. (2010). Studio geologia perché... Risultati preliminari sull’indagine quali-quantitativa relativa alla scelta del corso di laurea in Scienze Geologiche. Geoitalia, 30, 38-41. 

Ministry of Education, Universities and Research. (2010). Ministerial Decree No. 211 of October 7, 2010. Official Gazette of the Italian Republic, General Series No. 292, December 12, 2010. 

Ministry of Education, Universities and Research. (2017). Ministerial Decree No. 259 of May 9, 2017. Official Gazette of the Italian Republic, General Series No. 126, May 31, 2017. 

Occhipinti, S. (2014). Models and guidelines for more effective tools and paths in active teaching-learning in Earth sciences: looking for a unifying principle (Dissertation). University of Camerino, International School of Advanced Studies (XXVI cycle).