Year 12 Geology students at Beauchamp College save the Island of Montserrat……

Year 12 Geology students recently took part in an e-mission run by the National Space Centre. This was a simulated exercise based on real data from the September 1996 eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano and the threat of devastation by a hurricane.

After spending time practising the techniques needed for the Hurricane, Volcano and Earthquake Teams, Mission Day arrived. The students set to work immediately on the data they received and started feeding back to Mission Control. After a couple of early hiccups, they were soon up to speed. The students worked very hard to analyse the data they were given and make recommendations to the Evacuation Team, who began their task of keeping the Islanders safe. They worked well as teams under pressure and they had a great opportunity to put their geological knowledge into practice. A great learning experience!

In terms of the result: let’s just say we should be glad we weren’t living on the island at the time….!

Guest Blogger: Miss Young, Head of Geology, Beauchamp College, Leicester