Rocking the World of Science
Dr Kristy Guerin's experience volunteering at the Geological Society of Australia booth at the World Science Festival Brisbane.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity recently to volunteer at the Geological Society of Australia (GSA) Queensland Division booth during the World Science Festival Brisbane, alongside GSA-QLD treasurer Kasia Sobczak. The festival is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and brings together scientists, researchers, and experts from around the world to share their knowledge and expertise with the public. These events include lectures, panel discussions, performances, workshops, and interactive exhibits.
This year, the GSA hosted an ‘Understanding Earth Science’ booth showcasing a range of fascinating rock specimens from Queensland and around Australia. They also organised several walking tours of Brisbane City. The tour was led by experienced geologists and took participants on a journey through the city, highlighting the various rocks that are the building blocks of many buildings in the area. The GSA is a professional organisation for geoscientists and others interested in the study of geology, mineralogy, and related fields. Their booth was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the captivating world of geology and inspire young people to pursue careers in earth sciences.
During the day I had the chance to engage with children (and some rock-loving adults!) who visited us to learn more about rocks and minerals. The rock samples were a huge hit with the visitors, who were able to take home their own specimen of agate or fossilised wood. One of the most memorable moments of the day was when a year 5 student informed us that Icelandic spar, a type of calcite, is being used to develop invisibility cloaks! It was incredible to see how much the children knew about science and how passionate they were about it. It was a reminder of the importance of inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers and making science accessible to everyone.
Overall, the World Science Festival Brisbane was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the latest developments in science and technology and to share my knowledge and experience with others who are passionate about STEM. A huge thank you to the GSA organising committee, who dedicate so much time and effort (and rocks!) to this event every year. The GSA's booth and walking tour were a great way to showcase the importance of geology in shaping our environment, and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to learn and share their love of science.