The virtual climate path
Abstract
EducETH is a website at the interface of ETH and the Gymnasien. Its task is to bring knowledge from natural sciences research to the public eye in a pedagogically sound manner.
The project ‘Virtual climate path’ links results from climate research, the aesthetics of local alpine landscapes and the manifold possibilities of Flash applications in a multimedia learning platform. This is an internet learning platform which does not tie pupils and the public to the internet but on the contrary encourages them to go outside and find out more about a very timely environmental theme using all their senses.
Background: In 1998 a themed hiking trail was opened near Pontresina which showcases climate change. The trail is sponsored jointly by the Institut für Tourismus und Landschaft, Academia Engiadina (Samedan), WWF Switzerland and the Engadiner Naturforschenden Gesellschaft. It has been awarded the bronz Umweltpreis [Environment Prize] by the government conference of the Alpine region, ARGEALP.
The 18 information boards were brought scientifically up to date and installed in Summer 2007.
In the context of the EducETH project this real climate trail will now get an internet platform which utilises the possibilities of virtual space. Hikers are given perspectives not feasible in the real mountain landscape: from a bird’s-eye view they can seek geological features, read climate history in rock walls and study rock glaciers. They can zoom in on details or work through quiz questions to deepen their knowledge. But the virtual climate trail not only imparts facts; it schools the eye to see the effects of climate in the mountains.