Opportunity to explore the fascinating world of minerals

NSW Department of Primary Industries will hold an open day at the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry on Thursday October 16, as part of Science in the Suburbs during Earth Science Week.

The open day is being held in partnership with the Australian Museum and students will be given a unique insight to how mineral exploration is carried out in NSW.

According to the acting Director Geological Survey NSW, John Watkins visitors can learn about the current technology and techniques used by earth scientists in the exploration of NSW’s geological landscape.

"Meet geologists, petrologists, geophysicists and palaeontologists, all providing an insight to the range of different careers opportunities available in the earth sciences".

Bookings are essential and can be made through the Science Communications Office of the Australian Museum.

Take part in a guided tour of the W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre facilities, including practical demonstrations and activities such as:

Core logging - A 3D jigsaw for geologist

Drilling is used to investigate rocks beneath the surface. Students will have an opportunity to try their hand at identifying minerals, rocks and how they relate to the environment.

Earth under the scope

Help determine origin, formation and mineral composition of the rocks within the core. Examine the thin-sections under microscopes, identifying rock type and composition.

Where to look for minerals in  NSW - geophysical prospecting

Geophyscial data collected by airborne surveys, surface measurements and boreholes is extremely valuable to determining the nature and distribution of rocks. Conduct a mini geophysical survey helping them identify ‘areas of interest’ for the exploration geologist to drill.

Palaeontological scene investigation

Examine several fossil death scenes and using observational skills, answer questions about where the animals and plants might have lived  and  how and where they died.

Venue: W.B. Clarke Geoscience Centre
Location: 947 -953 Londonderry Road, Londonderry NSW
When: 9 - 2:30PM