Does your child come home from outdoor adventures with a pocket full of rocks and dirt under their fingernails? Do they spend hours examining every little pebble at the park or along the river valley paths? While these silly antics can be exasperating, what if this inquisitive interest in nature held the key to our kids’ future careers?

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) aims to inspire a new generation of makers and thinkers. One of the ways they do this is by organizing an annual Rock and Fossil Clinic for the public. This exciting free event allows people of all ages to experience and explore the wonders of geoscience (that’s a fancy word for the study of Earth and what it’s made of!) It is a fun day for families to discover fossils, rocks, and curious landforms, plus learn fascinating facts under the guidance of practising geoscientists and earth science students.

The 30th annual APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023. This year, the clinic is a hybrid format that includes both online presentations and a variety of in-person geoscience activities to discover in Edmonton. Join in the fun in the morning from your home computer and set out together on a rock-finding adventure in the afternoon!

APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic

Morning | Virtual Presentations

The day’s activities will kick off with a series of virtual labs and sessions hosted by APEGA and the Department of Physics of the University of Alberta. It is easy to take part online, right from the comfort of your own living room!

Afternoon | In-Person Geoscience Experiences

After a lunch break, participants will be invited to head out and participate in one of the APEGA-partnered geoscience activities in your community. Learn more about Alberta’s rich geological history from fellow rock-enthusiasts and experts, including special access to tours, and viewing mineral and fossil collections. In Edmonton, in-person activities will be presented by APEGA partners including The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences of the University of Alberta, The Edmonton Geological Society, and The Alberta Geological Survey.

Register Early to Reserve Your Spot

Come see the world through the lens of a geoscientist! As always, the APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic is free for all ages to attend, but some sessions have capacity limits and require registration. To ensure a spot for your rock-enthused explorer, or the whole family, register online. Get ready to Dig in to Geoscience with a fun day of online learning and outdoor exploration with APEGA!

APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic 2023


APEGA Rock and Fossil Clinic:

When: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Online & at various sites throughout Edmonton
Cost: FREE
Website: www.apega.ca/rockfossil2023