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

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 (lst level, 3rd year; Pavia, Lombardy). Fieldtrip and geoclimbing activity were carried out at the Uriezzo Glacial Garden and Premia- Bahnafredda 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.