On 10 October, students from class 2IB at Vittoria International School participated in an exciting interdisciplinary science project: the Collaborative Science Project. This project brought together all scientific disciplines for a common goal: assessing the environmental health of the lake in Val Chiusella, an important natural area in Piedmont.
The experience began with a day of field sampling. Equipped with scientific instruments and determination, the students set to work analysing the water in the lake using catacanoes (a catamaran made up of two canoes). During the day, they conducted a chemical and physical analysis of the water, observing parameters such as temperature, pH and transparency.
In parallel, the students collected plankton samples that they later examined under a microscope in the laboratory. This step allowed them to take a closer look at the aquatic microecosystem and identify the presence of specific species of bio-indicators.
After the sampling and laboratory phase, the students prepared a final presentation to share the results of their work. This final meeting allowed them to critically and thoroughly discuss the collected data and reflect on the environmental conditions of the lake and the surrounding area.
The Collaborative Science Project is a perfect example of how interdisciplinary learning can enrich students' education. Combining biology, chemistry and physics in a real-world context, the project offered students the opportunity to experience fieldwork first-hand, developing practical and analytical skills.
The students not only had the opportunity to apply the knowledge they learned in the classroom, but also gained a deeper awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and how science can help protect ecosystems.