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Miscellanea: Study visit to GSP Museum, Quetta
Recently our school arranged a study trip for our class to the Museum of Historical Geology, Geological Survey of Pakistan. The Geological Survey of Pakistan houses the largest and one of its kind Geological Museum at its head office in Quetta. The museum comprises seven thematic galleries. On display in this Museum is a collection of over 7,580 invaluable geological and paleontological specimens gathered by the earth scientists during geological field investigations spread over the past two decades. This treasure trove includes rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones, building and decorative stones and meteorites.
We have been studying about the structure of the earth, mineral resources of the country, rock types and fossils in our social studies books since class III. But this was the first time that we were able to see hands-on-display of all those specimens in this museum. Some of the exhibits were on open display for us to touch and feel. We gained first hand knowledge in the three- hour trip which was not possible through text books in classroom environment.
Keeping in view the keen interest shown by the students as well as the teachers in the Balochistan Economic Minerals Gallery, which showcases major mineral discoveries made by this prime national research department over the past many years, we were briefed about the mineral potential of Balochistan by the museum curator. It was after the tour to this gallery that we realized that Balochistan province is rich in minerals. We were also given a briefing on earthquakes and how to be prepared if an earthquake occurs. The rare photographs of 1935 Quetta earthquake in a special gallery were a horrific reminder to all of us that we are living in a danger zone and should be well prepared for any eventuality as a tremor can strike anytime without any fore-warning.
Our class was divided into two groups and we were taken to the planetarium lab facility where we were educated about galaxies, stars and planetary systems. Later we were taken around Astrogeology gallery where we saw 4.5 billion years old meteorites fallen in Pakistani territory. The Gem Hall was full of dazzling and eye catching precious stones.
Although all the exhibits were properly labelled to educate visitors about the rich mineral wealth of the country in general and Balochistan province in particular, the three hours spent in seeing all the explanatory charts and posters seemed less and we wished that we had some more time at our disposal to read all these notes to enlighten and educate ourselves. The museum curator gave us some maps and literature and their website address (www.gsp.gov.pk) if we need more details.
The tour to palaeontological galleries of the museum was a special treat for us. My class mates evinced enthusiasm in seeing old dinosaur fossils from Barkhan, discovered 65 years ago. A 47 million year old fossil of a walking whale from Rakhni, fossil jaws of the largest land mammal Baluchitherium from Dera Bugti, largest tusk of an extinct elephant, 70 million years old ammonite fossils and 540 million years old invertebrate fossils. The Museum is worth a visit to get first hand information on mineral wealth and scientific discoveries. To popularize the role of earth sciences in the service of society and educational purposes, there is no admission fee and entry was absolutely free. As photography was also allowed in the museum, we took many photographs to put up in our assignments which we have to do.
During the mini break, we spent some time in the kids corner where scientific literature was made available for school children to read. The museum also offers light refreshments at its tuck shop and the souvenir kiosk caters to the needs of visitors. We bought gift packs of rocks and mineral of Pakistan, some marble products and souvenirs for remembrance of this immensely memorable excursion.
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