'Involving people in geodiversity'

Education and interpretation

The way geodiversity is presented is crucial to the way it is perceived and valued. Education and interpretation involve looking at how to raise this perception. Together they represent more than simply giving information, but rather a spectrum of activities which can be employed to communicate a message. High quality interpretation and carefully targeted information to support education will encourage the understanding and support of geodiversity by present and, more importantly, future generations.

Examples discussed included initiatives by the Geologists' Association, the Devon Educational Register, interpretation in Scotland, the value of Scottish Geology Festival, and the aims of ES2k, a voluntary organisation which, through a magazine and website, promotes public awareness of Earth science issues and education and life-long learning in the Earth sciences, and acts as a co-ordinating body and voice for the Earth sciences in Ireland.

Initiatives are being employed to address all areas of society. This may be through formal education within schools and other education establishments, which, in the UK , is assisted by bodies such as the Earth Science Teachers' Association (ESTA). ESTA aims to advance education by encouraging and supporting the teaching of Earth sciences at all levels. Or it may be through non-formal education, through organised groups outside the formal education system, such as clubs, societies and local geology groups, or through informal education, which targets the general public, particularly local people, tourists and visitors, and staff working in the tourism industry.

There are numerous approaches to communicating geology and geodiversity to the public, including talks, visitor centres, festivals and events, guided or self-guided trails, interpretation boards, and a variety of publications, including magazines . Some organisations also have awards or grants available to support education initiatives. The Curry Fund of the Geologists' Association, for example, provides money for schemes designed to encourage innovation, and to help a wider audience to understand and enjoy geology. The Geologists' Association also runs Rockwatch, a young geologists' club that aims to encourage and develop members' interest in, and understanding of, geological sciences and good environmental practice.

The examples discussed identified the need for investment in a wide range of interpretative and educational materials, which must also be relevant to their audiences. Whilst interpretation boards and trails may be directed at the general public, talks and guided trips, especially for schools should be relevant to the audience they address. This can be achieved by involving experts in geoscience and communication to ensure the interpretation is correct, and also that there is information and guidance regarding how to create popular and readable interpretative materials and activities for all groups.

Details of the presentations given are provided below. Where a summary is provided click on the link to view.

Matthew Parkes. ES2k – raising awareness in Ireland

Kevin Page. The educational access register of geological sites in Devon, SW England – click here to view summary

John Gordon. Reading the landscape: examples from Scotland

Colin MacFadyen. Examples of SNH interpretation and education projects – Scottish Geology Festival and 'Naming' Scotland's building stones – click here to view summary

Susan Brown. Geoeducation – click here to view summary