Integrating Project-Based Learning and Just-in-Time seminars: An interdisciplinary project to monitor the water of the Aterno river in Upper Secondary Schools in Italy

This article describes the interdisciplinary project “Monitoring the Waters of Aterno River”, conducted in 2025 at the Upper Secondary School Institute “Amedeo D’Aosta” of L’Aquila, in collaboration with the University of L’Aquila and the Italian Alpine Club. The aims were to strengthen students’ technical-scientific and transversal skills while promoting environmental awareness. Students conducted sampling and microbiological analyses, developed an application for managing and visualizing data, and created a website that documents the project and provides an interactive water monitoring map. The project-based learning (PjBL) approach, supported by specialist seminars, engaged students in a real-world project for meaningful, engaging learning.