TRiPGiFT is a new Erasmus+ project which aims to combine theoretical and experimental approaches in teaching geology and geography in Secondary Education by developing Virtual Field Trips (VFTSs), using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). VFTSs are an interactive and engaging approach, providing the basis for a range of educational activities. They can play an important role in the educational process and, in combination with existing educational material from different sources, they can contribute to a high-level and innovative teaching and learning process.
TRiPGiFt aims to trigger the students’ interest in natural processes and to improve their understanding of specific geoscience phenomena by stimulating imagination and developing the so-called STEAM based competencies. In this process, teachers will have a guiding role and students taking an active role in decoding scientific knowledge in alignment with the practices of scientists and engineers.
As a project partner, the European Federation of Geologists is in charge of
- Promoting the project concept and the Erasmus+ programme to future pupils, tutors, research institutes and stakeholders.
- Engaging schools that are interested in using the developed Virtual Field Trips as pilots via the interactive TRiPGiFt platform.
- Preparing promotional materials, which will be given to the participating schools, e.g. Bags with project’s logo, notebooks with pens with project’s logo.
- Participating in transnational project meetings and Multiplier Events.
The consortium will develop three educational scenarios:
- Quarrying of marble taking place in ancient times and today’s quarrying and processing.
- Important geological processes taking place on the Earth’s surface for millions of years, focusing on runoff erosion, downcutting erosion and tectonics.
- Extreme Weather phenomena in the Mediterranean region, focusing on the science of meteorology, climate change and the associated impacts.
TRiPGiFT benefits for students, teachers and universities
- Access open simulators for three educational scenarios
- Training in the use of VFTS platform
- Instructions for using the educational material
- Instructions for using the interactive applications
- Guidelines for integrating VFTS into the learning process
- Participating schools will receive promotional material and will be invited to attend a series of events
On November 7 2022, the second consortium meeting of TRiPGiFT was held virtually.
During the meeting, partners discussed the status of TRiPGift’s communication channels (see below) as well as future events. The first Webinar organised under the project scope took place in November 2022, and aimed to train pupils on geosciences through Virtual Field Trips. You may have a look at the recording (in Greek) here:
Partners will have the opportunity to meet physically in the third Transnational project meeting which will be held in Greece at the beginning of 2023.
Call for support:
TRiPGiFT is currently calling for support to the whole EFG community to share this information with schools and teachers who might be interested in this opportunity. Expressions of interest should be sent to Maria Tzima and Alberto Sanchez (see below for contact details).
Follow TRiPGiFT’s activities through the following media social media channels:
- Website: https://tripgift.eu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087675768475
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trip.gift
Contact:
Maria Tzima (PE on Education coordinator, European Federation of Geologists (EFG)): coordinator.education@eurogeologists.eu
Alberto Sanchez (Project Officer, European Federation of Geologists (EFG)): alberto.sanchez@eurogeologists.eu
