All pupils at the 10th–12th grades interested in natural sciences are encouraged to participate in the Earth Science Olympiad and its preparatory courses.
The olympiad on 30 March with its broad perspective differs from other, more strictly defined olympiads of natural or human sciences, dedicated only for e.g. geography or physics. It involves Earth science in a broader sense, linking together geology, oceanography, meteorology, as well as environmental sciences.
Rutt Hints, scientist at the TalTech Department of Geology and a jury member of the olympiad states that organizing such an examination of knowledge is a great honour for the Tallinn University of Technology. “We are absolutely delighted upon the opportunity to unify different aspects of Earth science into a united olympiad and through it to provide preparation for the International Earth Science Olympiad in South Korea. Registration for the olympiad starts on 4 February and we welcome all gymnasium pupils who wish take the challenge”, said Hints.
She added that pupils with good olympiad results may enter the University of Technology, including the Department of Geology, past the normal selection procedure.
For being better prepared for the olympiad, the pupils can participate in a preparatory course, including four study days in February–March. The course is free of charge and registration is open from 7 January at www.taltech.ee/eelope.
Although Earth science olympiads have not been organized earlier in Estonia, four schoolboys from Tallinna Reaalkool (Tallinn Secondary School of Science) already participated in the International Earth Science Olympiad organized in Thailand last year. They were very successful, achieving one silver and three bronze medals. Likewise, also this year the best pupils may participate in the international olympiad, preceded by a special preparatory course organized by the Geological Survey of Estonia.
The first Estonian Earth Science Olympiad is organized by the TalTech Department of Geology in co-operation with the Geological Survey of Estonia. TalTech Department of Geology is a part of the School of Science of the Tallinn University of Technology. It unifies natural science and engineering education, training specialists in mining industry and geology. The scientists at the institute conduct research on raw materials possibly needed in Estonia in the future, as well as study best technologies for their sustainable management.
Young people interested in the field of Earth resources and wishing to study it at a university level, can apply for admission to the Department of Geology of the Tallinn University of Technology already now, rather than having to wait until the summer, as before. Pupils who have still not finished the gymnasium are conditionally accepted in case of successful applications, until the results of the national exam are announced. Other applicants will learn the results of their applications immediately.
