Recently, Professors Silvia Piccinelli and Patrick Della Croce organized a field trip for three environmental science classes: ENV 200 Understanding Environmental Issues, ENV 230T Freshwater Conservation, and ENV 372 Sustainability Science. The destination was Val Maggia, Cascata di Foroglio, with the primary goal of exposing students to unique and beautiful places in the region and the Alps.
One of the main objectives of the field trip was to give students a firsthand look at the effects of climate change, specifically the current drought's impact on the region. Students observed how the drought affected vegetation and the River Maggia, learned how the lack of water affects the ecosystem and the animals that depend on it, and gained insight into the immediate effects of climate change on the environment.
Another objective of the field trip was to teach students how to use trees to gather information about past climates. They learned how dendrochronological sampling techniques can help to understand the environmental conditions of the past and collected samples. This experience gave them an understanding of the importance of studying the environment's history to better understand its present and future.
Students also learned about the impact of human activities on the environment, specifically the effects of water withdrawal for hydropower on a floodplain and the River Maggia. They saw firsthand how the construction of hydropower plants affects the river's flow and the ecosystem. By witnessing the process directly, students came to understand the importance of balancing human activities with environmental sustainability.
Overall, the field trip was an enriching experience for the students, providing them with insight into the environment's history, present, and future. They learned about the impact of climate change and human activities on the environment, gaining a better sense of the importance of environmental sustainability and their role in achieving it. This field trip exemplifies Franklin University Switzerland's commitment to experiential learning and serves as an excellent example of how education should be conducted—by seeing and doing.
Gallery
