Virtual Fossils for Widening Geoeducation Approaches: A Case Study Based on the Cretaceous Sites of Figueira da Foz (Portugal) and Tamajón (Spain)

Abstract

Accessible palaeontological sites conform highly adequate out-of-school environments for meaningful learning experiences regarding formal and non-formal teaching of geosciences. With a perspective of international cooperation, two correlative Cenomanian–Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) outcrops from the Iberian Peninsula have been chosen as the focus of this project—the sections of Figueira da Foz (Portugal) and Tamajón (Spain)—along with the Palaeontological and Archaeological Interpretation Centre of Tamajón (CIPAT). Virtualization of fossil samples and sites has been undertaken by means of phase-shift scanning, photogrammetry, and small object scanning by structured light and laser triangulation, resulting in three-dimensional virtual models of the main fossil tracks and invertebrate fossil samples. These virtual fossils have allowed the development of transdisciplinary didactic activities for different educational levels and the general public, which have been presented as file cards where the age of participants, objectives, multiple intelligences, European Union key competences, needed resources, development, and further observations are specified. This work aims to contribute to improving the design and development of didactic sequences for out-of-school education at these sites, organizing effective transdisciplinary teaching tools, and developing awareness, values, and responsibility towards geoheritage.