AusGeo News  December 2009  Issue No. 96

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Earth Science Week 2009 celebrations

Image 1: Earth Science Week 2009 bookmark.

The 12th International Earth Science Week was celebrated from 11 to 17 October 2009 based on the theme 'Understanding Climate'. Events were held around Australia to celebrate and raise awareness of the Earth sciences in the community, and to recognise the contributions of people working in these fields.

A highlight of Earth Science Week 2009 was the official screening of the winning entries and the presentation of awards for the third national Geologi Short Film Competition at Geoscience Australia's headquarters in Canberra on 12 October.

Over 400 students across Australia produced and submitted short films for the competition, which was hosted by Geoscience Australia and the Australian Science Teachers Association. The films were judged on their science content, creativity and promotion of the theme 'Earth science in everyday life'. Film topics included natural hazards, geological time and Australia's natural resources.

Figure 1. Winners of the 2009 Geologi Short Film Competition with Dr James Johnson, Chief of Geoscience Australia's Onshore Energy and Minerals Division, following the presentation of awards.

The senior gold Geologi was won by 'Movements of the Earth' produced by a Year 12 student from Tully State High School in Queensland. The junior gold Geologi was presented to students from Presbyterian Ladies' College, Perth, Western Australia, for their short film 'Oil'. This year's Geologi included a primary school category for the first time, with students from St Therese Primary School, Mascot, New South Wales, taking the gold Geologi for their film 'Volcanooo!'.

The Earth Science Week celebrations concluded with Geoscience Australia's annual Open Day on Sunday 18 October. Open Day saw around 1300 visitors participate in a variety of displays, activities and tours highlighting how geoscience is being applied to some of Australia's most important challenges. Among the visitors to Open Day was the Minister for Resources and Energy, The Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, MP.

Figure 1. Winners of the 2009 Geologi Short Film Competition with Dr James Johnson, Chief of Geoscience Australia's Onshore Energy and Minerals Division, following the presentation of awards.

For more information phone Fiona Slater on +61 2 6249 9859 (email education@ga.gov.au)

Related websites

Earth Science Week-Geoscience Australia

Earth Science Week-International

Geologi

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