The creation in Grottaminarda (AV) of a Geosciences Lab and a cultural pole in STEM subjects dedicated to students is the fulcrum of the project recently approved in the context of funding from the PNRR.
With a loan of around 3 million euros, the proposal presented by the Irpinia Section of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) for the construction of a STEM Laboratory for the Geosciences (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been admitted.
“STEM disciplines are the basis of the technological cultural development of advanced countries: offering extensive training in these educational areas is the best investment for the citizens of the future. The commitment of a scientific body of international importance such as INGV is to contribute to the indispensable cognitive leap constituted by awareness and respect for our planet: studying the Earth means defending ourselves from natural hazards, enhancing resources and making all humanity progress, protecting the environment”, says the President of INGV, Carlo Doglioni.
Laboratories equipped with the latest generation equipment will be created. Among these, an earthquake simulator for groups of 15 students (the first in Italy), a 12D cinema room, a GeoSand Box, a Tsunami Tank, as well as interactive walls and Kit-Labs useful for innovative and transversal teaching.
“The ambitious goal that animated the working group in the design of the STEM LAB of Geosciences is to bring about 40.000 students a year to get to know the Irpinia Section of INGV, bringing them closer to geosciences and knowledge of the Earth, through a totally and free access to state-of-the-art STEM laboratories”, adds Luigi Abruzzese, promoter of the initiative, from INGV.
The overall creation of a cultural center that favors an active teaching model based on the "learn by doing" approach will allow visitors to experience a unique and innovative experiential journey on geological phenomena. Furthermore, the creation of a 700 m² Roof Garden was planned: an open space divided into sections dedicated to the various sources of energy (wind, water, sun, geothermal) and equipped with multifunctional areas dedicated to exhibits, reading and as a refreshment point.
“This project projects itself into the future of teaching through the use of learning tools that stimulate students' emotional memory. By consolidating and enhancing its activities, the Irpinia Section of INGV is positioned as a technological and information pole, a point of reference for the whole of Southern Italy". concludes the Director of the Irpinia Section of INGV, Annamaria Vicari.
The project is hinged on the Intervention Proposals for Community Social Services and Infrastructures financed under the PNRR and evaluated by the Territorial Cohesion Agency.
Photo- The Irpinia Section of INGV.
Image - Architectural view of the museum complex.