Inspiring Young Minds: HMNS Partners with Scouts

On October 18th, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) proudly joined forces with Scouting America and the Girl Scouts to spark curiosity and celebrate the spirit of achievement and adventure. This special collaboration gave young participants a hands-on look at how science and exploration shape our world at the event GEMS: Girls Energy Math and Science.

Geophysicists Bring Science to Life

Members of the Geophysical Society of Houston participated in the event, showcasing how geology, physics, and computer science come together to explore and discover energy resources. Using engaging demonstrations, they explained how sound waves help scientists map what lies beneath the Earth’s surface.

GSH demonstrates geophysics to young Scouts

A simple toy slinkie became the star of the lesson, illustrating how vibrations travel through layers of rock. Just as sound waves penetrate the ground and reflect off different formations, the slinkie showed how energy moves and is captured by instruments like a geophone. This playful yet powerful demonstration helped children visualize the science behind oil and gas exploration.

Beyond Energy: Diverse Applications of Geophysics

While energy exploration is a major focus, geophysicists also play vital roles in many other industries, including:

• Environmental science – monitoring ecosystems and pollution

• Hydrology – studying water resources

• Carbon capture – advancing climate solutions

• Construction – ensuring safe foundations and infrastructure

• Archaeology – uncovering hidden artifacts without excavation

• Planetary science – exploring other worlds

This broad scope highlighted for Scouts that geophysics is not just about energy—it’s about solving problems across disciplines that impact everyday life and the future of our planet.

A Hands-On Gift for Every Child

To make the experience unforgettable, each child received their very own sound motion simulator (slinkie) to take home. This keepsake serves as a reminder of how sound waves are used in exploration and how science can be both fun and impactful.