Lichens and Education: Integrating GIS Technology and Montessori Pedagogy for Urban Environmental Awareness

Lichens are sensitive bioindicators for environmental disturbances and air pollution [1]. This research investigates the synergy between digital tools and the Parco del Pineto naturalistic site in Rome [2], grounded in Maria Montessori’s pedagogy and inclusive, student-centred outdoor education [3]. The study involved 43 third- and fourth-year students from High School L.A. Seneca in Rome. The methodology followed a multi-phase scientific approach: field observation, photographic documentation, and specimen collection. Students utilised Pl@ntNet, an AI-based identification tool [4], alongside expert guidance to foster Citizen Science [5]. Google Earth served as the primary mapping base for recording positions via .kml files, enabling the management of three-dimensional geospatial data. Using open-source GIS software, students plotted coordinates and associated each location with specific data sheets and original photographs for laboratory-based species classification. Educational outcomes were documented through group dynamics observations and a qualitative survey evaluating the efficacy of merging outdoor education with technological resources. The primary outcome was a comprehensive GIS-based mapping system documenting the territory’s ecological recovery following the 2022 fire, particularly within wetland areas. Beyond scientific findings, the results indicate that students significantly strengthened their teamwork and rigorous scientific working methods. This project bridges the gap between scientific theory and environmental protection, providing a scalable model for urban heritage management and illustrating that technology is a vital ally in cultivating a deeper respect for our planet.

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