Canteras y monumentos históricosun recurso didáctico

Abstract

The use of historical quarries and monuments as an original and unconventional didactic resource in the teaching of Geological Sciences may enhance students� curiosity. Students will learn to observe and infer by themselves interesting aspects about local geology and present or past practical applications. With the study of historical quarries of their home town, the students will learn, in an easy and practical way, to recognize the different geological materials located in the surroundings and how they make up the landscape, and to recognize the natural weathering that they are subject to. They will also learn about other historical and cultural aspects related to possible industrial or building uses of stone, the quarry techniques used along the historical evolution and the location and preservation state of the extracted stone in the local historical buildings. To sum up, it is an easily accessible field experience as the quarries are to be found nearby, where there is an important heritage built in stone.