First phase of Young Geologist School concludes at YSU

Sargis Kelyan, Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Geology, said the faculty is among the university's strongest units in terms of infrastructure, scientific potential and partnerships. He noted that the Young Geologist School had generated significant interest among schools and that its successful implementation had laid the groundwork for the program to continue.

Harutyun Tamazyan, chief engineer of the Kapan Mining and Processing Company, offered a distinctive description of the profession of geology. 

"Geology is not merely a science or a profession, but an art, because just as in art only an artist understands another artist, in geology only a geologist understands another geologist. Geology is the oldest, yet ever-young science," he said.

Program coordinator Papin Muradyan, presenting the school's structure and results, said 36 students had participated in the courses, including 11 from Armenia's Syunik Province, who attended theoretical classes remotely.

"Communication with Kapan was maintained through video calls. During classroom lessons, students studied topics related to sustainable development, environmental protection and various natural phenomena. To apply the theoretical knowledge in practice, laboratory work and research expeditions were organized, including visits to Angels Canyon and the Symphony of Stones. For example, in Angels Canyon, the young geologists collected rocks, classified them by type and, with the help of lecturers, created display boards," he said. 

Speaking about future plans, Muradyan said the goal is to organize courses twice a year, each consisting of approximately 44 hours of instruction.

"Following the example of Kapan, in provinces where more than 10 students are enrolled, we will establish educational centers where the school's program will be implemented," he said.

According to Muradyan, the program also aims to provide students with opportunities to participate in international young geologists' olympiads, particularly those held within the CIS member states. 

Representatives of the older generation of the Young Geologist School, founded decades ago, also attended the event. Among them was Alexander Melkonyan, who led the young geologists' movement from 1977 to 1991. In his remarks, he expressed confidence that regardless of whether graduates later enroll in the Faculty of Geography and Geology, the knowledge and interest gained at the school would remain with them throughout their lives.

Students also expressed their enthusiasm. Eleventh-grade student Aren Gevorgyan spoke about his decision to join the program.

"My father and grandfather are geologists, and they inspired me to come to this school. I did not previously have such in-depth knowledge of geology, and I learned many interesting facts here. For example, in Angels Canyon we studied rock types, methods of properly collecting them, and later examined the rocks in the laboratory. I think that after graduating from school, I will come to study at the Faculty of Geography and Geology," he said.

Harutyun Mushkambaryan from Kapan, a ninth-grade student, said he was particularly interested in working with microscopes and studying different areas during field visits.

"I think that, thanks to these courses, I have better oriented myself toward my future profession… These classes have opened a new door for my future," he said.

Ashot Avanesyan, a distinguished lecturer at the Faculty of Geography and Geology who now lives in the United States, also delivered remarks remotely during the event. He is expected to participate in courses as a guest lecturer, presenting international experience and combining traditional and modern approaches.

The next phase of the Young Geologist School is scheduled to begin in September.