Unforeseen Connections and New Points of View to Promote Interest and Passion for Earth Sciences

Abstract

Susanna Occhipinti-ANISNVDA

This research is a first result of the initial findings of an ongoing, in-depth inquiry among scientific texts and historical documents, which are revealing surprising discoveries on the fundamental role that Earth sciences have played in shaping historical events, influencing social dynamics, and impacting culture and the arts. This perspective is often overlooked in the conventional understanding of this discipline. This research does not claim to present groundbreaking discoveries or original research but seeks to highlight a totally different aspect of Earth sciences and to present it from a completely original point of view. While it is widely acknowledged that Earth sciences play a crucial role in understanding natural phenomena, global dynamics, and natural risks and hazards; their significant contributions to addressing contemporary challenges such as global warming, extreme weather events, land consumption, and biodiversity loss are less recognized. These issues are vital for environmental protection and sustainable development. Despite this, years of teaching students of all ages, engaging them in practical activities and laboratory experiences across various Earth science fields with the aim to promote knowledge, interest and, when possible, passion for this fascinating discipline, have shown that, if communicated without passion the subject can be perceived as undeniably and inevitably boring-seen merely as a discipline dealing with stones and catastrophes, complex and complicated. This research attempts to offer a new perspective on Earth sciences by providing an effective interpretation of geological phenomena, organizing them according to a logical classification, by typology or by temporal sequence. Natural disasters, such as volcanoes or earthquakes, in some cases well known, instantaneous or long- lasting events, are portrayed as unpredictable yet indispensable causes of events that, at first glance, may seem unrelated to Earth sciences but have profoundly influenced human history and culture. This research aims to present a collection of information to educate about 'stones and catastrophes,' demonstrating how Earth sciences, through this unconventional lens, serve as a founding role of various disciplines. They promote the development of skills, both hard and soft, and stimulate curiosity, with the hope of guiding individuals towards a complex yet fascinating discipline."

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