An exchange of minerals, rocks and fossils was held at the Silesian University of Technology
Minerals, fossils and even meteorites - all this could be seen at the Minerals, Rocks and Fossils Exchange, which took place at the Silesian University of Technology. The event was organized as part of the European City of Science Katowice 2024.
The exchange took place over the weekend at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology.
- The exchange of minerals, rocks and fossils has become a permanent part of the tradition of our department. The first such event in Silesia was organized at the Silesian University of Technology in 1986. That's almost 40 years of tradition. This year we have over 30 exhibitors presenting all the gifts of the Earth in the form of fossils and minerals. We also have extraterrestrial rocks - meteorites and beautiful, hand-made jewellery made of precious stones - said Ewa Głuszek - head of the Museum of Deposit Geology at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology.
- At our stand we present minerals not only from Poland, but also from all over the world. Some of them I buy, others I extract myself on various expeditions in Poland and abroad. The largest specimen I prepared for this year's exchange is an over sixty-kilogram quartz geode from Morocco, said Patryk Koszałka, a geologist and mineral seller.
In the main hall of the faculty, one could see the demonstration stand of Jurapark in Krasiejów, where models of dinosaurs were placed, and the Polish Geological Institute also prepared its stand.
- We have an educational stand here where we show the youngest what minerals look like under a microscope, we also present fossils, and next to it there are artistic classes where kids can colour something or make a hat in the shape of a dinosaur - said dr Weronika Nadłonek from the Upper Silesian branch of the Polish Geological Institute.
The exchange of minerals, rocks and fossils attracts crowds of visitors of all ages every year, from preschoolers to seniors. – Just as we want to show that the European City of Science Katowice 2024 is for everyone, regardless of age, we also show that the exchange is addressed to everyone. Truly, everyone will find something for themselves here, adds Ewa Głuszek.
Saturday at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology ended with two lectures: “Why do the stars shine" and "All the stars of the universe", delivered by dr Andrzej Boczarowski from the University of Silesia.
In his lectures, or rather popular science performances in the form of multimedia shows, dr Andrzej Boczarowski explained the evolution of stars and their classification. He also said that scientists can ensure that the world will not end in the next few billion years.
The lectures attracted many listeners of all ages, who eagerly asked questions, for example about what happened before the Big Bang.
The exchange of minerals, rocks and fossils ended the Treasure Week, an event organized by the Silesian University of Technology as part of the celebration of the European City of Science Katowice 2024. Throughout the week, a number of activities took place at the university - workshops, shows and lectures prepared for preschoolers, students and adults.
