Inspiring Vocations:
Discover Earth Science and
the Geologist’s Profession
As part of the 5th International Professional Geology Conference (IPGC 2025), an educational program will be held for secondary school students (4th year of ESO) with the aim of promoting knowledge of Earth Sciences and the geologist’s profession through hands-on, engaging, and inspiring activities.
Over two days, students will rotate through a series of interactive workshops led by faculty members and researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences, together with professionals from Geologists Without Borders. Each day, between 40 and 48 students—divided into four groups—will experience geology in action through experiments, observation, and real-world problem-solving.
Highlighted Workshops
Gold Panning
Discover how geologists search for valuable minerals in river sediments.
Paleontologists: Explorers of the Past
Travel back in time by analyzing fossils and geological records.
Mineral identification
Learn to recognize minerals through their physical and visual properties.
Where does water come from?
Investigate the origin and journey of the water we drink in Zaragoza.
Solve a murder
Use forensic geology to uncover the truth hidden in a soil sample.
How mountains form
Watch mountain ranges grow before your eyes with a hands-on model.
Volcanoes
Understand how and why volcanoes erupt.
Thin sections and 3D technology
Visit the University’s Research Support Services to learn how microscopy and 3D printing are applied in geology to study rocks and fossils.
The program also includes an introductory talk on Geology studies, delivered by the Degree Coordinator, and ends with a closing session and gifts for participants.
The main goal is to inspire scientific vocations and show that geology not only helps us understand Earth’s past, but also provides essential tools to address the challenges of the future—such as resources, sustainability, water, and climate change.
