The 12th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) took place in Kanchanaburi, Thailand on 8–17 August. The Estonian pupils were very successful, achieving three bronze medals and one silver, as well as group work diplomas.
This result is particularly impressing when taking into account that it was the very first time that an Estonian team took part in such an olympiad, which have been arranged already for twelve times. The team was formed of pupils at 10th and 11th grades at the Tallinna Reaalkool (Tallinn Secondary School of Science). Andres Sakk, Willem Klaassen and Andreas Must earned bronze medals and Robin Haljak was awarded with a silver medal. Approximately 150 pupils from 39 countries participated in the contest.
The participants solved both theoretical and practical assignments on general geology, mineral resources, structural geology, environmental sciences, geophysics, astronomy, hydrology and related fields of Earth system science. Field problems were solved at the geopark of the Mahidoli University and its surroundings. Additional tasks for international teams included solving practical outdoor problems, and preparation and presenting of a poster in the field of critical environmental changes.
The work schedule of the olympiad was very tight. However, local historical and cultural sights, as well as a carbonatite rock quarry, caves and a hydropower plant were visited during the occasional free moments.
The supervisors of the Estonian team were professor Alvar Soesoo and senior specialist Sigrid Hade from the Geological Survey of Estonia. The preparations were assisted also by professor Kalle Kirsimäe and senior scientist Argo Jõeleht from the Tartu University Department of Geology, and professor Siim Veski from the Tallinn University of Technology Institute of Geology. Participation in the olympiad was supported by the Geological Survey of Estonia, Tallinn Education Department, Tallinn Secondary School of Science, the Welfare Society of the Tallinn Secondary School of Science, Tartu University Department of Geology and several experts in Earth science.
Information on the International Earth Science Olympiad is available at the web page https://ieso2018.posn.or.th/
Preparation of the Estonian pupil team for the International Earth Science Olympiad is supervised by the Geological Survey of Estonia.
Additional information:
Sigrid Hade
Geological Survey of Estonia
Tel 5240219
[email protected]
