The project has already organized 22 open classes for 549 schoolchildren. Children learn about the basics of geology, minerals, rocks, and the amazing organisms that populated our planet long before humans. Children and adults keenly listen to stories about the internal structure of the Earth, about mining for gold or iron, and about whether there are volcanoes in Karelia. A separate chapter in the lectures is devoted to geological education. Schoolchildren are introduced to the Archean young geologists club, given specialized tips on getting into geological universities and studying there.
– Most listeners are especially excited by stories from expeditions: times of discovery, travels to other regions and countries, dangers, coping with difficulties, singing by the campfire, sleeping in tents, and searching for valuable minerals. The scientific and the practical aspects of geology are equally attractive to schoolchildren. A vivid example is Petrozavodsk University graduates who work successfully both in science and in large mining companies all over the world, - tells Oleg Maksimov, Researcher at the Laboratory of Precambrian Geology and Geodynamics IG KarRC RAS.
Viktoria Ustinova giving a career-guidance tour for schoolchildren
Several introduction-to-the-profession classes have also been held at the institute. The participants tried on the role of explorers, fulfilling the tasks that geologists deal with daily. During the project anyone is welcome to visit the Museum of Precambrian Geology at the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS. The most active pupils will prepare research projects with the assistance of scientists. On April 12 they will present the results at the scientific youth school and conference on geology “Earth Sciences: mission for the young”.
The project also produces science education videos presented by the leading employees of the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS and invited specialists. Viewers can learn a lot of new things about the planet and about the unique features of our region's geology: how did life first originate on our planet? who is the main architect of the topography of Karelia? can volcanic eruptions happen here? where can gold be found in our republic? Four of the videos have already been posted in VK social network and have become quite popular among its users.
In the video: Senior Researcher at the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS Pavel Medvedev tells about the origins of life on Earth (in Russian)
– The success of our project is based on proper planning and distribution of responsibilities among the participants. Special thanks are due to the lecturers who agreed to participate in the popular science videos. Although working with schoolchildren may be complicated, the lively interest and shining eyes of many kids reward with positive emotions, - Oleg Maksimov shared.
All information about the projects and the lectures is posted on the Institute of Geology KarRC RAS website and in the institute’s social media community.
Photos from archives of GeoKarelia project participants
