Introduction and Description

 

The Azores Archipelago, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and located at a rare triple junction between major tectonic plates, offers an extraordinary environment for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of earth systems, landscape interpretation, and the interdependence between natural and cultural heritage. As an internationally recognised geoheritage site, the Azores exemplify the ways in which geodiversity influences ecological dynamics, settlement patterns, architectural forms, local traditions, and community resilience. For today’s schools—where environmental literacy, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary learning are increasingly prioritised—this context provides a powerful entry point for enriching teaching practice.

​

This course introduces teachers, school leaders, and other education professionals to the scientific and pedagogical significance of volcanic landscapes through an immersive programme available in both 5-day and 10-day formats. Participants engage with foundational geological concepts, explore volcanic processes and products, and learn to interpret geolandscapes through a holistic lens that integrates earth sciences, environmental education, cultural studies, and sustainability. By situating learning in authentic outdoor settings and culturally meaningful locations—such as the (geo)urban landscape of Angra do Heroísmo—the course demonstrates how natural processes shape human experience and how educators can transform such insights into rich, inquiry-based learning opportunities for their students.

 

The course is particularly relevant for educational organisations committed to fostering scientific literacy, critical thinking, and environmentally responsible citizenship. As schools increasingly seek to align teaching practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate education frameworks, and competency-based curricula, the ability to interpret landscapes, understand natural hazards, and communicate scientific knowledge effectively becomes essential. This training equips participants with the tools to integrate outdoor learning, experiential methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches into their programmes, enabling them to design learning environments that are engaging, future-focused, and rooted in real-world contexts.

 

Whether completed as a compact 5-day introduction or as a 10-day in-depth exploration with extended fieldwork and cultural immersion, the course provides a transformative professional learning experience. Participants leave with enhanced subject knowledge, strengthened pedagogical strategies, and concrete educational materials that can be directly implemented within Erasmus+ projects, cross-border collaborations, and school development initiatives. By connecting geology, culture, and education in meaningful ways, the programme empowers educators to inspire curiosity, deepen students’ environmental awareness, and cultivate an informed appreciation of the dynamic relationships between people and the planet.