This week, Geoscience Australia welcomed its 150,000th student to walk through the doors of its Education Center since it opened in October 1999.
A group of Year 6 students from Woodleigh Primary School in Moorooduc Victoria, who were visiting Geoscience Australia for the first time, took this step.
As the 32 Year 6 students explored the training facility, Geoscience Australia Chief Executive Dr James Johnson came to greet them on this important visit.
Dr Johnson said it was wonderful to see so many students come through the education center each year and take advantage of the wealth of programs on offer – especially after two years of disruption and closures due to the pandemic.
“Through face-to-face visits, workshops and classroom resources, our educational programs promote the importance of Earth Science to students and their teachers across Australia,” said Dr Johnson.
“Our curriculum-linked educational programs, led by experienced educators, are designed to immerse students in hands-on geoscience activities – keeping them engaged, focused and in search of more.
“Students who visit us can simulate an earthquake, touch incredible crystals and fossils, and even determine what their weight in gold is worth.
“We also offer groups the unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark of their visit by adding a layer of sand to our ‘guestbook’ sediment columns.”
“Looking forward to 2022, the booking calendar is very busy, so normality seems to be returning and the education team is once again enjoying accommodation and face-to-face teaching.”
Syve from Woodleigh Primary was delighted to receive the plaque and certificate acknowledging the landmark visit to the education center and to add sand from her area to the sediment columns in the ‘guestbook’.
“My favorite part of my visit to Geoscience Australia was the moon rock or diamond.” Syve said.
Students have visited the popular education center from all states and territories across the country since elementary and high school and continue to return for more. Return visits to the center are very high, with an attendance rate of 75% in 2019.
The education center normally welcomes around 300 school groups each year to enjoy the multitude of interactive exhibits and guided activities.
