An interactive, immersive role-play simulation has been developed to teach New Zealand geoscience students to forecast and mitigate a volcanic crisis.
In this simulation, the geoscience team focuses on interpreting real volcano monitoring data – such as seismographs and gas output – and the emergency management team forecasts and manages likely impacts, while also communicating emergency response decisions and advice to local communities.
The exercise aims to enhance students’ reasoning skills and lift science communication via joint discussions, and the development and delivery of the correct messages to the media.
In an immersive setting, students experience the responsibilities of a professional within authentic situations and organisations.
Research shows that students have found these role-plays highly challenging but engaging and that their skills have improved markedly.
Future research will focus on adapting this approach to new volcanic and earthquake scenarios.
