Unique experience for the students of classes 2^B and 5^E of the “G.” primary school. Stancati”, which, thanks to the AUSDA-Adopt a school from Antarctica project, promoted by ENEA (National Agency for new technologies, energy and sustainable economic development) and by PNRA (National Antarctic Research Programme), they had an exceptional adventure.
The students’ curiosity towards Italian research activities in Antarctica began in September when the father of one of our students, a researcher leaving for Antarctica, illustrated the Station’s activities to us. Since that day, everyone has been gathering information while waiting for the long-awaited direct connection with the Mario Zucchelli Antarctic base and with the Italian members of the expedition. And so, on 14 January 2025, in direct connection with the base in Antarctica, the children of “Stancati” spoke with researchers who operate in one of the most fascinating environments on our planet: Antarctica. The meeting was the basis for starting an educational approach aimed at bringing students closer to the world of science, research and the environment, with a particular focus on the South Pole and the activities taking place at the Mario Zucchelli Base. It was a unique experience in which it was possible to discover first-hand how work and research is carried out in an Antarctic base also through notions of geography, science and technology, during which the students were able to clarify doubts and satisfy curiosity, asking for information directly from the researchers involved in the expedition and the ENEA logistics staff.
After a brief presentation of the Base by the researchers and a “live” view of Antarctica, the pupils asked various questions on living conditions, research activities and climate change. Among the curiosities that emerged, the students asked how researchers live in the Antarctic environment, which animals they can meet and what type of vegetation is present. The technicians responded enthusiastically, describing the difficulties and satisfactions of living and working in such a special place. The videoconference was a moment of great interest and enrichment for the students, who had the opportunity to come into direct contact with a remote corner of our planet. The curiosity and enthusiasm of the children, even the youngest, were evident throughout the meeting and many of them expressed the desire to delve deeper into topics related to the environment and scientific research.
