The educational and dissemination activities of astronomy and geology held in the Geopaleontological Museum of Rocca di Cave, Roma Tre University

The Geopaleontological Museum "Ardito Desio" of Rocca di Cave (RM), proposes several educational activities for schools regarding astronomical and geological sciences. First of all the Planetarium “Skylab” (http://www.planetarioroma3.it/) is a useful and spectacular tool for implementing laboratory and practical activity of astronomy. The planetarium is an inflatable structure that can be easily bring to schools. The activities focus on the movements of the celestial vault, on the description of the main constellations and stories of the seasonal sky and the zodiac. Through interstellar journeys in full-dome to nebulous galaxies and distant galaxies, kids and students have a unique opportunity to learn astronomy and planetary science, being fascinated and amused by the experience. Moreover, the laboratory has always been an important part of scientific education. Some examples of it are the construction of Armillas and Sundials (models and instruments for understanding the apparent motions of the celestial vault and the Sun), and the construction of an Orientated Globe, a perfect model of Earth illuminated by the Sun during different seasons and daytime. A special attention is devoted for allowing to people with disability to participate to the experiences. In particular, blind students are allowed to follow the planetary presentations by means of tactile apparatus which have been specifically designed and realized. The primary educational objectives are: to facilitate the learning process, the diffusion of the knowledge of the sky, and the extension of the cosmic space; to understand the main astronomical phenomena, starting with those responsible for daytime and the alternation of seasons in our planet; to teach respecting nature and environment through illustrations of light pollution issues; to use the history of astronomy and the myths connected to it as an element of intercultural learning to foster processes of mutual knowledge and integration.