An earthquake simulation on Earth Day 2010 with ASCR in the Czech Republic
As part of Earth Day on 22 April 2010, the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR) hosted an event which was aimed at introducing the public and especially young people to science in the living world thanks to a series of simulations. The activities took place at Geopark in Prague and used practical demonstrations to help people learn about earthquakes (see the photo above) and volcanoes. There were also lectures from experts, which you can hear more about in the video at this post on the CASC Posterous site.
One of the most interesting things in the video is at the 1:05 mark, which talks about the photographic exhibition that ran as part of the event. The photos documented geological research missions but maybe also highlighted the relationship between science and art, which is a different way of viewing it and an alternative way in for people who might otherwise find it difficult to engage with science.
A simulation of sand volcanoes at Earth Day 2010 in Prague
The way we connect science with other subjects and media is an interesting idea which might have a bearing on how people engage with science and learn. There are a whole range of tools which are available to teach people about science, and getting the most out of those – as well as identifying new tools and technologies which can play a part in this – will be vital to future practices and policies, if young people are going to be excited about science and interested in their environment.
These activities should provide plenty of thought for policy recommendations. You can find out more about Earth Day and see more photos from the ASCR activities here.