INQUA 2457 se: The Mystery of Ancient Soils! Children’s booklet to understand the soils of the past: A multilingual and joint INQUA-IUSS initiative

The Mystery of the Ancient Soils is an engaging and educational illustrated story developed for children and young readers.

Abstract

The collaborative effort of the INQUA Palaeopedology Working Group, the IUSS Palaeopedology Commission, and the IUSS Young and Early Career Scientists have embarked on an exciting project: the creation of an educational illustrated story entitled The Mystery of Ancient Soils! This captivating project focuses on soil memory, a fundamental pillar of contemporary palaeopedological research, and is tailored to children and young readers. The story features youthful characters and incorporates elements of cultural significance to vividly underline the importance of modern and ancient soils as facets of our shared heritage. Leading this ambitious project is an experienced team specializing in disseminating soil science, particularly in palaeopedology and geoarchaeology.

Objectives:

• Educate Young Readers about Soil Memory: To create an engaging narrative that introduces children and young readers to soil memory (as concept).
• Promote Interest in Soil Science: To inspire curiosity and appreciation for soil science, particularly paleopedology, and geoarchaeology, by presenting complex scientific concepts in a relatable and entertaining format that appeals to young audiences.
• Spread soil science in multiple languages: The project has successfully translated the content into 15 languages to ensure that children and young people can engage with soil science in their native language.

Project Leaders

• Dr. Daisy Valera Fernández, Mexico
• PhD Student Axel Cerón González, Belgium
• Dr. Elizabeth Solleiro Rebolledo, Mexico

Activities Scheduled:

• April 30, 2024: The leaders finalized the Spanish and English versions of the booklet, which were distributed among the allied translators. México City and global collaboration.
• May 19 – 21, 2024: The leaders and some allied translators met at the Centennial Celebration of the International Union of Soil Sciences in Florence, Italy. The project was presented to a broader audience, including representatives from FAO. The group promoted the INQUA funding activities.
• August 30, 2024: a dedicated website was created, including other soil education materials under the umbrella of Proyecto Suelox: https://proyectosuelox.geologia.unam.mx/el-misterio-de-los-suelos-antiguos
• September 22, 2024: Presentation of the children’s book at the 9th Encuentro con la Tierra (Science Fair for Children) in Mexico City, Mexico
• December 1, 2024: Initializing the copyright process for translated booklet versions through the National Institute of Copyright. Mexico City.
• June 30, 2025: All versions will be published freely online and in hardcopy. All the translators will receive an independent publication with an ISSN. The total expected publications (translations of the booklet) are 15.
• The booklet project will be continuously disseminated through the long-term project Proyecto Suelox and at scientific conferences.