EarthFest 2024

Saturday 23 November

9am - 3pm

Tūhura Otago Museum, Hutton Theatre

It's FREE!

Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga

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Explore

Our Exhibits

All Ages

Become a Geotech!

Have you ever wondered what is below the ground and how it impacts how and where we build? This is a question that those in the geotechnical industry ask (and answer) every day! How do we go about answering this very important question? Come along and complete your own mini-borehole investigations to find out!

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Teachers & Students

Making Geology Visible

Visible Geology is a free digital tool built to explore and discover the earth's processes and revolutionize how geological concepts are taught to students. Meanwhile, Mixed Reality Visualisation bring the subsurface to life with interactive visualisation of real 3D geological models using HoloLens mixed reality goggles. Come try it!

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All Ages

We Love Rocks!

Check out the Otago Rock and Mineral Club display and learn about making geology a hobby by transforming ordinary rocks into artistic treasures. Ask about our monthly meetings and field trips, where you can learn about geology and also collect spectacular rocks and fossils. Find out how to make your own jewelry from your favourite rock.

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Discover

Our Demonstrations

All Ages

Mount Boom

10:00 am

12:30, 2:00 pm

Explosive volcanic eruptions are spectacular and dangerous. They are driven by rapidly expanding gas – either released from within magma or generated when it contacts water near Earth’s surface. We will use water and liquid nitrogen to see and hear the powerful forces involved as Mt. Boom erupts!

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Primary School

Quake Point

Times TBD

Have you ever wondered how scientists detect and measure earthquakes? Find out by becoming your very own human seismometer!

We'll work together to locate a range of "earthquakes" and discover what factors make it easier or harder to detect and measure them. Remember to drop, cover and hold, and if it's long or strong, get gone!

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All Ages

The Land Down Under

9.30, 10.30, 11.30 am

1:30, 2:30 pm

Did you know magnetism can be used to see beneath the grass?!

Compasses show us magnetic direction, but magnetometers show how strong the magnetic field is. We will use a portable magnetometer to get a ‘look’ at what lies beneath the Otago Museum lawn.

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Our Public Talks

Natural Hazards & Us

10 am

Numerous natural processes have created and continue to shape our stunning Ōtepoti Dunedin landscapes, but some of them become hazardous when we get caught in the way. Find out what hazardous natural events we might experience in our lifetimes, and how we can prepare, to reduce their impacts on our lives and wellbeing.

Earth Science Career Showcase

12 pm

Did you know studying Earth science can lead to dozens of different potential careers?

Join us to hear from a range of people currently working in different areas of Earth science, and find out what career paths have taken them to where they are now. Find out what they do, why it's important, and why it's so much fun!

Earth Science in COOL Places

2 pm

Join Science Field Leader and Survival Guide Kimberley Wallace as she shares her favourite stories and experiences from 25 years of working in Antarctica. Discover how she has supported many Earth scientists from around the world, and find out how studying Earth sciences can take you to some pretty cool places!

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