Nau mai, tauti mai! Welcome to the UC Earth Science Garden!
听
Earth science is built on hands-on field experience, and this听Earth Science Garden provides a unique, interactive way for students to develop 3D visualisation skills, understand geological relationships, and practice essential field techniques. It serves as a preparatory tool, allowing students to refine these skills on campus before embarking on actual field trips.听
A Miniature South Island
Featuring over 200 rocks across 15 different types, the garden is a scaled-down representation of the bedrock geology of Te Wai Pounamu South Island of Aotearoa听New Zealand, with a particular focus on the Waitaha Canterbury and Te Tai Poutini Westland regions. The rocks, including one weighing over 6听tonnes, are arranged as a solvable map puzzle, to mirror key geological relationships and structures, offering students the chance to practice identifying听features and solving geological problems as they would in the field.听
More Than just rocks
Unlike static rock displays found in many Earth science gardens, this space encourages active learning and exploration. It also offers outreach opportunities for schools and potential students,听while incorporating geologically themed regional p奴r膩kau to deepen understanding and connection to place.听
Whether you're听a geology student preparing for fieldwork or a visitor curious about Aotearoa New Zealand鈥檚 geological heritage, the UC Earth Science Garden is an invitation to explore, learn, and discover!
听
