The fourth edition of the meeting promoted by Astro Sardegna took place from April 21st to 24th in Ogliastra, between Lanusei and Arbatax. This well-established event focuses on the dialogue between scientific and humanistic cultures.
The initiative involved school principals, teachers, and a select group of students from the Sardinian school network, alongside participants from institutions in other Italian regions. The residential training experience offered opportunities for discussion, exploration, and sharing, with a focus on the contribution of astronomy and astrophysics, from ancient times to the present day.
At the heart of the discussion was the idea of a unified body of knowledge, capable of transcending traditional divisions between disciplines. This message was also fully expressed in the themed competition "We Are Stardust," sponsored by the network's leading school.
The fourth-year class in the Technology sector at the Primo Levi Institute in Quartu Sant'Elena, led by Principal Emanuela Lampis and coordinated and motivated by Literature teacher Valeria Camboni, won first place for the second two-year period. The students—Mirko Cambarau, Michele Collu, Andrea Falchi, Paloma Farias, Giada Galletti, Laura Loi, Kevin Marcia, Emma Montagna, Chiara Nieco, Patteri, Raimondo Francesco Pilloni, Elisa Puddu, and Hiroto T sukioko—produced an MP4 video that won over the examining committee, earning a rating of "excellent."
The work stood out for its ability to visually translate the connection between science and humanism through a journey from cave paintings to Lavoisier's chemical revolution. The story intertwines demonstrations of the scientific method with literary references, with references to Leopardi and Shakespeare, effectively conveying the idea of humanity as an integral part of cosmic matter.
Professor Silvia Chinedda provided valuable input, guiding the students through the study of phlogiston theory through mass measurement; Manuel Floris, astrophysicist and director of the Unione Sarda planetarium, supported the scientific process; and ITP Chistan Tola edited the video. In collaboration with the Literature professor, the students also constructed the video's narrative text, coherently unifying the various insights.
