Four Young Geologists in China: An Experience That Changes the View of the World

Still full of impressions, they answered questions from their mentors, Associate Professor Rostislav Melichar, Dr., and Dr. Kateřina Zachovalová, who led the Czech delegation.

Geology is a field one can arrive at through many, often unexpected, paths. When did your interest in this subject first awaken?

Tomáš: I got into geology back in elementary school. I attended a geology club run by the school principal, and with him we went on mineralogical trips. We collected rocks, identified minerals, and visited a geopark near the school in Říčany. I really enjoyed it, and gradually I also got involved in the geology olympiad. In high school geology was no longer part of the curriculum, but I continued with the olympiad and even made it to the national round. Last year I couldn’t participate, but this year it worked out – and thanks to that, I made it to IESO.

Prokop: I’d say I was kind of born with it. Since childhood I’ve been collecting different things in nature, and curiosity naturally grew out of that. Already in elementary school, I did a project on the regional geology of local quarries, and I was lucky to have teachers who supported me. In high school I met Mr. Jan Dušek, a teacher who really develops geology intensively. I think such teachers are key – without them, geology wouldn’t have much presence in schools.

Honza: My path was rather accidental. In ninth grade, my friend’s mom, teacher Linda Taláčková, who organized the geology olympiad at our school, just signed me up. Back then, I hardly knew anything about geology, and honestly, I didn’t even want to take part at first. But it worked out, and I got all the way here – and I have to thank her, because by that step she led me to a subject I really enjoy today.

Martin: My interest in geology came in phases. At first, as a child, I was fascinated by beautiful, polished minerals. I liked the fact that I could also find them myself in nature. Over time, this “collector’s” interest faded, but then came the second phase – I realized that geology connects many fields I enjoy: geography, chemistry, biology, even astronomy. And then the third phase came – the practical experience with the olympiad, into which a friend dragged me because he didn’t want to compete alone. From a random beginning, it grew into real interest. Today, I especially enjoy how geology connects various disciplines and reveals their relationships.

Success at the olympiad isn’t measured only in medals. What are your biggest personal gains from participating in IESO? What did you take away not only professionally but also personally?

Tomáš: Mainly teamwork. At school, we were never really taught that, and here I learned to collaborate, communicate, and solve tasks together. And I also met lots of interesting people from around the world, which was a huge enrichment for me.

Prokop: For me, it was mainly the realization that I’m not the only one passionate about geology. I found many new friends with whom I can continue developing this interest, and I also gained experience working in an international team in English. And of course, the international atmosphere – teamwork, English communication. I had expected people might be a bit “odd,” but in the end, everyone was great, and we got along really well.

Honza: I value contacts and acquaintances the most. In everyday life, I don’t meet much support for geology, so being surrounded by a group that sees it the same way is a huge benefit. It’s wonderful to meet people who share the same interests and help me develop further.

Martin: Traveling was also interesting – it was my first time in China, experiencing a completely new culture. And I value the friendships we built among ourselves. It was a mix of learning, competing, and personal experiences.

What impressed you most about the competition and your stay in China? What left the strongest impression on you?

Tomáš: I really enjoyed discovering the local culture, food, and also the trip to the giant statue of Confucius. The high-speed train fascinated me as well. I had never been to Asia before, so everything felt new and strange – but I really liked it.

Prokop: I agree, the landscape was beautiful, even though modernized. The organization of the competition was also interesting – overall well handled, but we struggled a bit with the language barrier. Local volunteers mostly didn’t speak English, so communication was tricky.

Honza: I liked that besides competing, we also had time for other activities. I found a group of people with whom I played chess and other games, went swimming in the school’s giant pool, and so on. It was a mix of competition and fun, which I really enjoy.

Martin: For me, it was the first surprising experience with a different culture. I remember how people on the street would come up to me and ask to take photos with me. It felt strange, but it made me realize how differently the world works elsewhere.

Every competition has its tough moments – whether theoretical tests, practical tasks, or working in an international team. What was your biggest challenge, and why?

Honza: Sometimes I lacked deeper knowledge, for example about foliation and lineation. I also felt I sometimes solved tasks too superficially. I realized I need to go deeper.

Martin: For me, the hardest were practical tasks – for example, recognizing fracture systems or determining the direction of fold rotation. I didn’t expect that at all and wasn’t prepared.

Prokop: I was caught off guard by a sedimentation question – specifically what a change in sediment color means and what each color indicates. I hadn’t studied that in detail before the contest.

Tomáš: The biggest challenge for me was the practical part, where I had to balance between concise and detailed answers. Sometimes unfamiliar terms came up, and I tried to guess them. It showed me that even in uncertain situations you can find a way, and that really pushed me forward.

Participation at IESO isn’t just about knowledge, but also about adapting to new environments. What advice would you give to future participants?

Tomáš: Definitely bring your own laptop and ensure independent, stable internet access. I didn’t have one and had to rely on others’ hotspots, which was inefficient. A laptop is important not only for team projects but also for communication and searching for information. It’s a huge advantage.

Prokop: Don’t be afraid to approach people from other countries. Making connections is one of the greatest values of this competition. Everyone you talk to shares a piece of their culture and enriches you. Friendships made here are sometimes more valuable than the results themselves.

Honza: Be prepared for several very intense days. Theoretical and practical tests, team projects, presentations – everything follows quickly. By the end, it’s exhausting. That’s why it’s good to also think about rest, find time for sports or “relax” with friends. It helps handle the pressure and stay focused.

Martin: Don’t treat it only as a competition. It’s a chance to experience a new culture, meet new people, and gain a different perspective on the world. Be open to everything new – local food, customs, or social events. Those things stay in memory much longer than individual test questions.

Geology is a science with a long tradition, but also a field facing new challenges. How do you see its future?

Prokop: Geology is important not only on Earth but also in space. Studying rocks on other planets and asteroids helps us better understand our own planet. As IESO showed, geology is always interconnected with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and therefore can answer fundamental questions about the origin, development, and future of the world around us.

Martin: I agree – for example, rocky planets, comets, or asteroids have great potential. I see the future of geology in its connection with modern technologies. We cannot do without geology in the search for resources for energy and electronics. That gives geology huge significance both now and in the future of humanity.

Honza: For me, it’s also a big challenge for the school system. Often only basic concepts are taught as part of geography, and there is no space for deeper exploration. I think it would help if education offered more practical examples, excursions, and connections with the real world. Only then will more young people discover that geology isn’t just about minerals but about the story of the entire planet.

Tomáš: I think environmental issues should be more strongly integrated into geology teaching. Geology isn’t just about rocks and minerals but also about how the Earth functions as a whole – from the CO₂ cycle, to carbon storage, to its role in climate change. Connecting these phenomena with geological processes shows that geology directly impacts today’s world and its future. And that can inspire students and make them feel they are learning something truly relevant.

Geology as a gateway to exploring the planet and the universe

Our contestants didn’t just bring home diplomas and medals from China but above all unique experiences. They gained new friends from around the world, discovered other cultures, and learned to collaborate in international teams. Geology ceased to be just a school subject – it became a gateway to exploring the Earth and the universe.

Personal experiences are invaluable for young people. They move them forward professionally and personally, and they also show that supporting talented students makes sense. The success of the Czech team at the International Earth Science Olympiad is therefore not only joyful news for the contestants themselves but also proof that investing in education and in the development of young scientists is the best investment in the future.

Photo: Archive of the Department of Geological Sciences of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University