Geologic resources in the construction of religious monuments: an action-research with secondary students from Viseu

Abstract

Geology offers a huge contribution for improving citizens’ scientific knowledge, allowing them to recognize the school curriculum effectiveness in solving problems that society is faced with. The outdoor learning environment – crucial through the geology process of teaching and learning - is, among others, recognized as having the potential to promote both a set of scientific competences and the understanding of the importance of scientific and technological knowledge in present society. This study deals with a teaching and learning process that was implemented with students of 15/16 years old in the subject of Geology, more specifically, in the curricular topic “The Earth: yesterday, today and tomorrow.” Local issues related to the way the geological resources have been used over time in the construction of religious monuments in the Viseu region (Portugal) were taken into account working as the educational context.