This week, Geoscience Australia welcomed its 150,000th student through the doors of its Education Centre since it opened in October 1999.
Hitting this milestone was a group of year 6 students from Woodleigh Primary School from Moorooduc Victoria, who were visiting Geoscience Australia for the first time.
While the 32 Year 6 students were exploring the education centre, Geoscience Australia's Chief Executive Officer Dr James Johnson came to welcome them during this significant visit.
Dr Johnson said it was wonderful to see so many students coming through the Education Centre each year and enjoying the wealth of programmes on offer – especially after two years of disruptions and closures due to the pandemic.
"Through face-to-face visits, workshops and classroom resources our education programs promote the importance of Earth science to school students and their teachers from all across Australia," Dr Johnson said.
"Our curriculum-linked education programs, facilitated by experienced educators, are designed to immerse students in hands-on geoscientific activities – keeping them captivated, focused and looking for more.
"Students who visit us can simulate an earthquake, touch amazing crystals and fossils, and even figure out what their weight is worth in gold.
"We also offer groups the unique opportunity to leave a lasting record of their visit by adding a layer of sand to our 'visitor book' sediment columns."
"Looking forward in 2022 the bookings calendar is very full so normality seems to be returning and the Education Team is enjoying hosting and teaching face-to-face again."
Syve from Woodleigh Primary was thrilled to be presented with the plaque and certificate acknowledging the milestone visit to the Education Centre and to add sand from her local area to the 'visitor book' sediment columns.
"My favourite part of visiting Geoscience Australia was the moon rock or the diamond." Syve said.
Students have visited the very popular Education Centre from all states and territories across the country from both primary and secondary schools and continue to keep coming back for more. Return visits to the centre are very high, with a 75 per cent repeat visitor rate in 2019.
The Education Centre normally hosts around 300 school groups each year to enjoy the multitude of hands-on exhibits and guided activities.
