The Department of Geology and Geophysics recently hosted a group of pupils and teachers from Mintlaw Academy for a day of learning. The visit, which began in the Science Teaching Hub, included an interactive seismology lesson and question & answer session with current undergraduate students as well as Professor David Muirhead, Head of the School of Geosciences.
Dr Amy Gilligan, Lecturer in Geophysics, began the day with a seismology lesson that allowed the pupils to travel the globe from the Science Teaching Hub, using an array of equipment and software to explore seismic activity throughout Scotland and further afield.
From making their own earthquakes in the lab, to investigating the seismic signal of major events such as football games and the recent Taylor Swift concerts, the pupils were keen to learn more about the science of seismology. Dr Gilligan said of the day, “it was great to host pupils and teachers for an interactive morning of seismology, and it was fantastic to see how engaged and inquisitive they [the pupils] were – there was a lot of enthusiasm to build their own 'earthquake' machine!”
In the afternoon the pupils and teachers met with current undergraduate students and other academics from the School, where they had the opportunity to learn about studying and working in Geology. Ms Rhian Owen, a Geography teacher at Mintlaw Academy, said the pupils “enjoyed their day on campus learning about seismology and listening to the experiences of the students studying Geology and Geoscience.”
When asked about the importance of outreach days such as this, Dr Gilligan noted that “Geology and Geophysics are often absent from school curricula yet are subjects with lots of relevance in a variety of sectors, including the energy transition. Because of this, chances to showcase the subject, as well as the top-quality facilities we have on campus, to young people are really valuable.”
If you work at a secondary school and are interested in learning more about the School of Geosciences, including organising a day on our campus or arranging a virtual outreach event, please contact geosciences-outreach@abdn.ac.uk