Researcher brings earthquakes, storytelling, and song to the Edinburgh Fringe

What can a passing mention of an earthquake in a classic children's story teach us about science?

According to Dr Iris van Zelst, a geophysicist in the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences, it can open the door to a world of curiosity, discovery and scientific thinking.

Dr Van Zelst is the creator of The Science Storyteller, an ambitious new teaching/education and outreach project that uses stories, music and performance to introduce young people to the fascinating world of geophysics. Having been awarded  funding through the competitive Special Activity Fund from the European Geosciences Union (EGU), the project aims to spark curiosity about science while helping children understand how researchers investigate questions about the world around us.

Following curiosity wherever it leads

The project began with a simple question inspired by a classic children's tale.

An unexpected reference to earthquakes in A. A. Milne's classic stories, which are set  in southern England, prompted Dr Van Zelst to investigate whether real seismic events could have inspired the passage. Delving into historical earthquake records, she discovered evidence that earthquakes occurring in the years before the story's publication may indeed have been felt in the region.

But for Dr Van Zelst, the real story was not the answer itself - it was the process of finding it.

By following clues, examining evidence and asking new questions, children can experience the same journey of discovery that researchers take every day.

Science starts with curiosity. A simple question can lead you down fascinating paths and uncover stories you never expected to find. We want children to see that science isn't just about memorising facts - it's about exploring ideas, solving puzzles and discovering how the world works.

Dr Iris van Zelst School of GeoSciences

A new way to tell science stories

The Science Storyteller combines geoscience, storytelling, music, performance and hands-on activities to create engaging learning experiences for young audiences.

Children are introduced to topics including earthquakes, seismology and plate tectonics through stories and interactive demonstrations designed to encourage questioning, exploration and creativity.

The project was developed in response to concerns about declining scientific literacy and falling numbers of students entering geophysics across Europe. Although many young people are interested in science and mathematics, few encounter geophysics during their school years and may be unaware of the opportunities the subject offers.

Through curiosity-driven learning, Dr Van Zelst hopes to introduce children to geoscience at an early age and inspire some of them to become the next generation of Earth scientists.

Logo for The Science Storyteller (an open book with the earth below and another planet above)

Reaching audiences across Europe

The initiative brings together scientists, educators and performers from across Europe to create a new model for geoscience outreach and teaching.

Educational materials developed through the project will be translated into several languages, including Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian and Maltese, allowing schools and outreach practitioners across Europe to use them. All resources will be made freely available online to maximise their impact.

From research project to Fringe stage

One of the first public outputs of the project will be an educational show at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Taking place at Dynamic Earth, the family-friendly performance combines science, storytelling, music and live demonstrations to take audiences on a journey to discover why A. A. Milne wrote about earthquakes in his famous novels, delving into the world of earthquakes and the forces that shape our planet.

The show is designed to demonstrate that science can be found in unexpected places and that anyone can think like a scientist by asking questions and following their curiosity.

Free tickets for Edinburgh primary schools

As part of the project, free tickets are being offered to Edinburgh primary school groups for selected performances, helping more young people access an engaging STEM experience during the Fringe. Schools can also receive support with travel costs, alongside access to future educational resources and workshops linked to the project.

By bringing geophysics to classrooms, communities and one of the world's largest arts festivals, The Science Storyteller hopes to inspire a new generation of curious minds to discover the science beneath their feet.

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