Exploring mountain building together with curious young learners

Early engagement with science plays a key role in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and essential STEM skills. Outreach activities that connect schoolchildren with practicing scientists are especially effective, as they provide authentic insights into how scientific knowledge is developed and applied.  The workshops are designed for schoolchildren in grades three to five and introduces the processes of mountain building (Alps and Andes) in an age-appropriate and engaging manner. Using simplified explanations supported by maps, animations, and selected scientific data, pupils explore how Earth’s surface changes over time. Plate tectonics serves as the central framework, helping children understand how large-scale movements within the Earth lead to the formation of mountains and other geological features.

Hands-on learning is at the core of the workshops. Pupils actively work with geological maps, cross-sections, and satellite imagery to visualize Earth’s dynamic structure. Physical exhibits - including real rock samples, crystalline structures, salt from mountain regions, and an inflatable globe illustrating Earth’s internal layers - make abstract concepts tangible. A plate tectonics puzzle allows pupils to reconstruct shifting landmasses, while digital animations translate scientific datasets into engaging visual narratives. The demonstration table further supports tactile exploration and active participation. By integrating real-world geoscience into the primary school classroom, this initiative bridges academic research and early education. Schoolchildren gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s processes while developing an appreciation for scientific inquiry. Through interactive and age-appropriate methods, the workshops create a memorable learning experience that inspires curiosity and lays the foundation for a lasting interest in Earth science.