when education means action
On the 10th of April, students from the Studio for Transdisciplinary Projects and Research at the University of Arts in Poznań, led by Prof. Joanna Hoffmann and assistant Mateusz Janik (FASSF/ASN), visited the Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. As students were already involved in SPIN-FERT art & science activities, this time they were introduced to another EU Mission Soil project, LOESS.
The program included a tour of the Museum of the Earth, where students viewed a rich collection of exhibits, including the Morasko meteorite, fossils, and materials illustrating the region’s geological history. The meeting provided an important introduction to geological processes and their impact on environmental development.
The next element of the visit was a workshop on soil, led by Prof. Karolina Lewińska, Prof. Barbara Mackiewicz, and the LOESS team. Participants learned about different soil types, using the colour index, distinguishing between clay and loess, and methods for determining pH. The workshops were practical – students independently conducted measurements of soil samples collected in the field.
An important component of the meeting was the presentation of a participatory AR application that supports the collaborative mapping and analysis of environmental data. This tool enables the integration of scientific knowledge and user activities, thereby strengthening education and public engagement in soil conservation.
The visit was not only informative but also experiential and collaborative. Participants developed research skills by combining knowledge of natural sciences and artistic practices. The meeting aligns with the goals of EU Mission Soil, promoting awareness of the importance of soil and supporting the development of sustainable practices through education, collaboration, and engagement.