The “Advanced Training School for Science Teachers” in Geological and Environmental Sciences is an initiative developed within the Piano Lauree Scientifiche - Geologia, specifically under the teacher-training action, aimed at strengthening geoscience education and supporting teacher professional development. The programme was established to address a persistent gap in Earth Sciences preparation among science teachers, most of whom hold a biology background, resulting in limited classroom coverage of geological topics and, consequently, a poor understanding among students of geoscience university pathways and of the professional role of geologists. Organised by the University of Cagliari (Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences), the School offers a structured training pathway that integrates hands-on and minds-on approaches through seminars, field studies, monitoring techniques, guided excursions, and experimental laboratory sessions using analogue and augmented-reality tools such as the Sandbox, Em-River and drone-based photogrammetry. The programme provides teachers with accessible yet innovative tools to incorporate geoscience topics into their teaching practice, promoting inquiry-based learning and fostering the ability to interpret the geological features of the Sardinian landscape. All teaching materials are made available to support classroom transferability. Since 2018, the School has been held in multiple locations across Sardinia to ensure broad regional participation, adopting a multi-site model that facilitates access for teachers from different areas. Over the years, the initiative has been organised with the patronage and collaboration of the Associazione Nazionale Insegnanti di Scienze Naturali (ANISN), the Associazione Italiana Insegnanti di Geografia (AIIG), and the Sardinian Order of Geologists and, depending on the hosting area, in partnership with local institutions, such as CNR and regional parks. The programme is officially recognised as accredited teacher training through the MIUR SOFIA platform and involves approximately 25 teachers each year. Traditionally offered as an intensive 40-hour summer programme, the 2026 edition adopted a winter format with weekly afternoon sessions, maintaining continuity with previous PLS actions while expanding participation and outreach. This contribution presents the structure, rationale, and educational impact of the School, highlighting its role as an effective and replicable model within the PLS network and promoting dialogue with similar initiatives across Italy.
Building geoscience competencies in schools: insights from the “Advanced Training School for Science Teachers” within the PLS-Geologia project
Buosi C.Primo
;Da Pelo S.;Funedda A.;Buttau C.;Deiana G.;Frau F.;Loi A.;Marras M. I.;Melis M. T.;Naitza S.
;Pillola G. L.;Zoboli D.
2026-01-01
Abstract
The “Advanced Training School for Science Teachers” in Geological and Environmental Sciences is an initiative developed within the Piano Lauree Scientifiche - Geologia, specifically under the teacher-training action, aimed at strengthening geoscience education and supporting teacher professional development. The programme was established to address a persistent gap in Earth Sciences preparation among science teachers, most of whom hold a biology background, resulting in limited classroom coverage of geological topics and, consequently, a poor understanding among students of geoscience university pathways and of the professional role of geologists. Organised by the University of Cagliari (Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences), the School offers a structured training pathway that integrates hands-on and minds-on approaches through seminars, field studies, monitoring techniques, guided excursions, and experimental laboratory sessions using analogue and augmented-reality tools such as the Sandbox, Em-River and drone-based photogrammetry. The programme provides teachers with accessible yet innovative tools to incorporate geoscience topics into their teaching practice, promoting inquiry-based learning and fostering the ability to interpret the geological features of the Sardinian landscape. All teaching materials are made available to support classroom transferability. Since 2018, the School has been held in multiple locations across Sardinia to ensure broad regional participation, adopting a multi-site model that facilitates access for teachers from different areas. Over the years, the initiative has been organised with the patronage and collaboration of the Associazione Nazionale Insegnanti di Scienze Naturali (ANISN), the Associazione Italiana Insegnanti di Geografia (AIIG), and the Sardinian Order of Geologists and, depending on the hosting area, in partnership with local institutions, such as CNR and regional parks. The programme is officially recognised as accredited teacher training through the MIUR SOFIA platform and involves approximately 25 teachers each year. Traditionally offered as an intensive 40-hour summer programme, the 2026 edition adopted a winter format with weekly afternoon sessions, maintaining continuity with previous PLS actions while expanding participation and outreach. This contribution presents the structure, rationale, and educational impact of the School, highlighting its role as an effective and replicable model within the PLS network and promoting dialogue with similar initiatives across Italy.
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