Monte de Santa Luzia, in Viseu, Portugal, as a geological and educational resource

The geographical proximity of Viriato Secondary School to Monte de Santa Luzia, in Viseu, Portugal, led us to design a pedagogical intervention that promotes awareness of its importance as a georesource, enabling an approach to Natural Hazards, Human Impact and Earth’s Resources. This dynamic is developed with the aim of promoting more meaningful learning for students since a resource from the region and the area surrounding the school is used. It is also intended to foster active citizenship, with a view to Sustainable Development and Environmental Education.

For 25 years (1961 to 1986), Monte de Santa Luzia was the site of quartz extraction by  "Companhia Portuguesa de Fornos Elétricos" in Canas de Senhorim. As a result, a large crater remained, considered an authentic "window to the interior of the Earth", which was used for the construction of the Quartz Museum. Unique in the world, it is an interactive center for exploring the geological and natural heritage of the Viseu region, with a strong educational focus and a privileged space for school visits focused on learning about geology, natural heritage, and its protection and preservation.

This activity will allow the mobilization of scientific and technological skills and knowledge, through a problem-solving situation related to the characteristics and exploration of quartz and, in this way, constitute learning in the context of the theme of "Minerals", contributing to a greater understanding of the geodiversity existing in Monte de Santa Luzia. This activity will also provide opportunities to work on Biology and Geology (11th Grade) essential learnings, namely, researching and systematizing information, integrating prior knowledge, to build new knowledge. Methodologically, the class is divided into 3 groups that will choose a theme from among the three study proposals of Monte de Santa Luzia (Viseu): "Quartz - Characteristics and Geological Context"; "The History of Quartz Exploration as a Mineralogical Resource"; and “Impact and Rehabilitation of the Quarry”. After a study trip to the Quartz Museum and surrounding area to gain knowledge about the chosen subjects, the students will continue researching scientifically credible  information that allows for a deeper understanding of the aspects under study. Valuing digital tools, each group will structure the collected information and present it in the form of a scientific poster, in order to share it to the whole class and the educational community through an exhibition.

It was concluded that Monte de Santa Luzia, in Viseu, can be used as a very valuable pedagogical resource to work, at school, on issues related to Natural Hazards arising from the exploitation of Earth’s Resources and, from this perspective, the Impact caused by Humans who have been shaping Life and the Earth.