Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Students of the Provincia di Torino (Italy) discover the Polar Regions of the Planet.  (Provincia di Torino (Italy) and IPY)

Outline
In the perspective of the International Polar Year, the Government of the Province of Torino (Italy) proposes a didactical project concerning Circumpolar Populations and their Environment. The Provincia di Torino (Province of Torino) is located in the north-western Italy and it represents one of the 8 provinces which compose the Regione Piemonte (Region of Piemonte). This Province has a long story and traditions of alpinism, explorations and researches in Arctic environment and, recently, has successfully hosted the last XX Winter Olympic Games. The Provincia di Torino wants to take part, in a significant way, in safeguarding the Arctic and enhancing it through school projects and teamwork with some Provinces of Circumpolar Nations. The Provincia di Torino project for the IPY will involve young students of our Province and possibly young partners of other Provinces of Circumpolar Nations. The project would engage schools of the Provincia di Torino: - Students will work with scientist (archaeologist, anthropologists, ethnologists, historians, physicians, biologists, etc.) artistic and academic specialists (artists, singers, musicians, actors, literates, athletes, etc.), to be awaken to the Arctic challenges. The project would engage schools of the Provincia di Torino and it is divided in three sections: 1. Students will work with scientist and academic specialists (artists, singers, musicians, actors, literates, athletes, etc.), to be awaken to the Arctic challenges: Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Climate changes, Water, Life, Culture and Traditions of Arctic Populations, condition of Women, Health programs, Biology, Geology, Ecology, Geography, Oceanography, Astronomy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Ethnology, etc.; 2. Students will produce personal or group works to express their comprehension and show their respect of different Arctic Cultures and their Environment; 3. Students will exchange personal experiences with young students with which the Countries will partners; 4. Students of Provincia di Torino will experience, in Our Mountain Alps, situations that simulate the way of life in the Arctic climate. They also will training with the Italian scientists witch will go to the Antarctic in the spring 2008 (in collaboration of Our Defence Ministry). Geographic region studied: Bipolar Duration: 24 months

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Educate and awaken young generations to express their comprehension and respect of Arctic different Cultures and their Environment; develop the next generation of polar scientists and academics. “Inter-disciplinarity” is one of the core values of the Provincia di Torino: educate the youngest and promote understanding between different cultures, to bring together, the perspectives from both the social sciences and natural sciences, for the traditional knowledge to cultivate an approach based on mutual comprehension and respect.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
We will contact High Schools of Circumpolar Countries, to propose them a common project and exchange personal experiences, using new digital technologies. Potential Circumpolar Countries will be involved in the activity. Particularly, we are in touch with some schools of Nunavut and Nunavik (Canada).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
National agency
Military support
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - The Project is proposed and organized by the Government of Provincia di Torino, in collaboration with the Italian IPY committee, others Italian institutions and museums.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

New project proposed and organised specifically for the International Polar Year by the Government of the Province of Torino (Italy).

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project, coordinated by dr. Gabriella A. Massa, Archeologist Inuitologis expert, would engage schools of the Provincia di Torino and it is divided in three sections: 1. Students will work with scientist and academic specialists (artists, singers, musicians, actors, literates, athletes, etc.), to be awaken to the Arctic challenges: Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Climate changes, Water, Life, Culture and Traditions of Arctic Populations, condition of Women, Health programs, Biology, Geology, Ecology, Geography, Oceanography, Astronomy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Ethnology, etc.; 2. Students will produce personal or group works to express their comprehension and show their respect of different Arctic Cultures and their Environment; 3. Students will exchange personal experiences with young students with which the Countries will partners; 4. Students of Provincia di Torino will experience, in Our Mountain Alps, situations that simulate the way of life in the Arctic climate. They also will training with the Italian scientists witch will go to the Antarctic in the spring 2008 (in collaboration of Our Defence Ministry). 5. Conferences, congresses, exhibitions, didactical exhibitions, and more, will by organised for students and the public. The aim is to educate and awaken them to express their comprehension and respect of Arctic different Cultures and their Environment.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Cfr. 3.2

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Cfr. 3.2

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The Project is proposed, organized and financial supported by the Government of Provincia di Torino, in collaboration with minor sponsors.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Gabiella Angela Massa
PROVINCIA DI TORINO
Segreteria Anno Polare Internazionale, Presso Presidenza Provincia di Torino, Via Maria Vittoria 12
Torino
10121
Italy

Tel: +39 0118612102
Mobile: no
Fax: + 39 011 861 2186
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation