AuSIS unleashing the power of seismology in remote communities

AuSIS workshops across the country. Image: AuSIS edited by AuScope

The Australian Seismometers in Schools Program (AuSIS) has embarked on an eventful outreach season, leaving a lasting impact on students across the country. Since late March 2023, AuSIS has taken to the road with twenty workshops across Queensland, Northern Territory, and South Australia. The program engaged and inspired Aussie students to track Australia’s recent shakes.

Taking to the road

The journey began with visiting schools in Queensland, including North Rockhampton State High School, Moura State High School, Cairns State High School, and Ayr State High School. The outreach efforts continued in the Northern Territory, where Nhulunbuy High School and Katherine High School welcomed the program with open arms.

Katherine High School

One of the most significant highlights of the workshops was a special session held exclusively for 26 First Nation students at Katherine High School. The visit was excellent timing given the 6.2 magnitude earthquake recorded in the Banda Sea at 1:30 am that day. This session provided hands on educational experience in seismology. The students were given a talk about how and why we measure seismic waves and then got to create and record their own. It was a privilege to witness their curiosity and passion for learning.

Ngaanyatjarra Lands School visit ANU

In June, the AuSIS program had the privilege of hosting a visit from 22 year 7-8 students from Ngaanyatjarra Lands School at the Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES), ANU. Students came from four communities: Warburton, Warrakurna, Jameson, and Kiwikurra. We talked to them about significant earthquakes around their communities, including the 2016 Mw 6.1 Petermann Ranges earthquake. The “Pavlova” analogy, commonly used to teach new students why we get Earthquakes in the centre of Australia, was translated to a Damper analogy; crispy on the outside and soft in the middle! Students were also able to get a hands on experience of how a seismometer works.

Ngaanyatjarra Lands School students at The Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES) on Ngunnawal-Ngambri land, ANU. Image: AuSIS

The visit included seismology workshops and featured an engaging fluid dynamics session on ocean and river currents.

The workshops incorporated interactive demonstrations, utilising transparent tanks filled with colourful waters to simulate the dynamic flow of currents. This hands-on approach allowed the students to visualise and comprehend the complex movements of water within these natural systems.

Dr Kial Stewart demonstrating fluid dynamics with a student from Ngaanyatjarra Lands School (RSES) on Ngunnawal-Ngambri land, ANU. Image: AuSIS

Raspberry Shake

The success of this initiative prompted discussions with teachers about joining the AuSIS program and installing further instruments that could enhance the community's scientific education and provide valuable data to help understand earthquakes in their part of Australia.

Map showing the locations of the eight Ngaanyatjarra school campuses in Western Australia (Warburton, Warrakurna, Jameson, and Kiwikurra are labelled) plotted against seismic activity since 1955. Image: AuSIS edited by AuScope

To support their ongoing learning, AuSIS provided them with a Raspberry Shake seismometer to take back to their school.

Future Plans

The AuSIS program takes great pride in prioritising First Nation students in its outreach efforts. By fostering their scientific curiosity and knowledge, the program aims to empower and inspire these students to pursue their passions in seismology and Earth sciences. We look forward to visiting the schools later in the year. Keep an eye out for our follow-up story.

STORY IN A NUTSHELL
Indigenous students in remote communities use NCRIS enabled AuSIS tools to explore earthquakes.

AUTHORS
Sima Mousavi & Michelle Salmon

EDITOR
Philomena Manifold

FURTHER READING
AuSIS
Raspberry Shake

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