Abstract. “10 years with planet Earth” is the title of the calendar created for
primary schools, realized in 2016 by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e
Vulcanologia (INGV), the Italian Institute of Geophysical Research. The calendar is
the outcome of a project created to support and complement 15 years of
dissemination activities with schools. Each year for 10 years, we have
printed calendars that represented different subjects related to a world in
constant evolution. Each year we have launched a calendar competition among
schools, asking children to send in drawings related to the chosen theme.
The aim was to stimulate interest in learning about Earth sciences and
the dynamics of planet Earth, as well as to raise awareness of water resources
availability, the prevention of natural disasters and planet sustainability. We
have received about 10 000 drawings from students of more than 400 schools. For each yearly competition, we have chosen the most significant drawings and we have included them in the calendar. The creators of the drawings were awarded by scientists, journalists, artists, science communicators and even by a government minister. In addition to the competition, the drawings reflect impressions and thoughts and illustrate the children's point of view. From the images, one can feel great sensitivity, consideration, responsiveness and respect for the planet as well as positive feelings towards science.