EarthFest 2024

Saturday 23 November

9am - 3pm

Tūhura Otago Museum, Hutton Theatre

It's FREE!

Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga

Fill the basket of knowledge

Explore

Our Exhibits

All Ages

Our Energy Future

What is "geoheat" and how could it be used to heat (and cool) our homes and other buildings?

How might hydrogen generated from renewable energy power transport?

Could we make solar panels from silica deposits in Southland?

Find out and have your say on our energy future!

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All Ages

Volcanofest

Curious about volcanoes? Join us for an exciting interactive experience where you'll discover why some volcanoes ooze lava while others erupt explosively. Check out fascinating rock and mineral samples, and ask real volcano scientists all your burning questions. Fun for all ages - from young explorers to the young at heart!

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All Ages

How cold was it?

Have you ever wondered what Antarctic oceans were like thousand (or even millions) years ago? How cold was it? Was it covered in ice? Come learn how scientists use tiny fossils to answer these questions... and use microscopic algae fossils found in ocean sediments to find out the answers for yourself!

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Explore all exhibits

Discover

Our Demonstrations

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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More demonstrations coming soon!

Ask an expert at

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!

Find out more