If you’ve ever wondered how mountains are built, where minerals come from, or what ancient environments can tell us about our region’s history, our new GeoBreak Lab series is the perfect opportunity to dig deeper.
Four free, hands-on GeoBreak Labs held over the academic year will focus on minerals and rocks. Designed for anyone with an interest in science, these sessions provide a unique opportunity to explore geology in a fun and interactive learning environment.
Led by Geology Instructor Dr. Nic Kinar and a student assistant, each GeoBreak Lab will take place in the Geology Lab and feature hands-on activities using real rock and mineral samples. Participation is free, but space is limited to 18 participants per session. Advance registration is required.
Two sessions will be offered on each date:
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
GeoBreak Lab Schedule
October 17: Mineral Mayhem
Discover the building blocks of the Earth’s crust in this introduction to minerals. Participants will examine real mineral samples and learn how minerals combine to form rocks, where they are extracted, and why they play an important role in mining throughout the Kootenays.
November 21: Fire and Ice: The Hidden History of Igneous Rocks
Journey into the origins of igneous rocks and learn how molten material from deep within the Earth creates some of our planet’s most fascinating geological features. Explore different types of igneous rocks and discover the incredible forces that have shaped BC’s rugged landscape.
January 30: Wind, Sediment and Water: How Sedimentary Rocks Are Formed
Travel back millions of years to a time when ancient seas and rivers shaped the Kootenays! Get hands-on with real sedimentary rocks and discover how wind, water, and time worked together to create the incredible landscapes we see today.
April 3: The Old and the New: Metamorphic Rocks
What happens when rocks are squeezed, heated, and transformed over time? Explore real metamorphic rock samples, learn how they’re created, and discover why some are among the oldest rocks on Earth while others are surprisingly young.
Bringing Geology to the Community
The GeoBreak Lab series offers a chance for community members of all ages to connect with science through hands-on learning and exploration. Whether you’re a rock enthusiast, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about the natural history of the Kootenays, these engaging sessions provide an accessible introduction to the geological processes that have shaped our region.
Spots are expected to fill quickly – so register early.