Public Outreach

People at a career fair Meghann chats with people who are visiting a career fair in Hilo.

The Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes (CSAV) conducts natural hazards educational programs for several different groups: community associations, schoolchildren, schoolteachers, and the general public. The subjects covered are: earthquakes, lava flows, tsunamis, floods, landslides, and hurricanes.

Our presentations are interesting and informative, featuring knowledgeable speakers. We provide displays and models, hands-on demonstrations, and printed materials to take home. Besides explaining the nature of the hazard and its effects, we describe practical things you can do in advance that will lessen the impact when disaster strikes--thus protecting yourself, your family, and your property from harm. For more detailed information on mitigation, please visit our Natural Hazards web page.

Colorful plastic balls are ejected in a nitrogen-fueled volcanic eruption demo Steve Lundblad demonstrates a volcanic eruption to a school group visiting UH Hilo, using liquid nitrogen.

People look at the field gear worn by scientists working around lava flows, as Don Thomas and two students explain the items At Onizuka Day, visitors learn about volcanoes from Don Thomas, CSAV Director, and student helpers Melissa Adams and Samantha Oxley.

Visiting Schools

Visiting Schools is our most popular program. Trained CSAV staff members go out to classrooms throughout the Big Island and present information on earthquakes and tsunamis, lava flows and vog, hurricanes and flash floods. All of these presentations include demonstrations and audience participation. Contact us for a Big Island visit! We also utilize the UH Hilo Geology Department and can schedule an on-campus visit for your school group.

Darcy stacks a pile of books in a girl's arms Darcy Bevens demonstrates deep earthquakes in Hawaiʻi with a group of fourth graders.

Steve talks to a group about the EDXRF instrument Steve Lundblad describes how the EDXRF instrument is analyzing a gold-plated quarter, as Hilo Intermediate students tour the UH Hilo Geology Building.

Darcy talks to students about safety around lava flows Darcy Bevens talks with students about proper field gear to wear around lava.

Community Events

Community Events are the most far-reaching of CSAV's natural hazards educational programs. These include particpating in STEM Science nights, career fairs, and other community events, including during the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's Volcano Awareness Month each January. This is an effective way in which CSAV keeps the public informed about earthquakes and mitigation measures, featuring displays and hands-on science demos. A knowledgeable speaker from the CSAV staff is available to set up a booth at your community event.

Meghann and Sadie Nguyen show rocks and minerals to kids at a science night Meghann Decker and Sadie Nguyen show geology samples to kids at a science night.

Puna Community Association At a community association meeting in Puna, Don Thomas describes how to strengthen an older post-and-pier foundation.

Meghann showing geology samples at AstroDaywork at a table Meghann Decker talks about geology and natural hazards at AstroDay in Kona.

Public Seminars

Public Seminars produced by CSAV are held periodically at the UH Hilo Campus Center Auditorium, and other locations. These seminars feature a variety of presentations, and the audience is invited to ask questions. The seminars are free and everyone is welcome; check the Natural Hazards web page for upcoming dates.

Steve talking during USGS Volcano Awareness Month Steve Lundblad talks about the Koa'e Fault Zone on Kilauea, during USGS Volcano Awareness Month at UH Hilo.

Public CSAV seminar Don Swanson discusses lava hazards at a CSAV seminar in Kona.

Cheryl Gansecki presenting at UH Hilo Cheryl Gansecki gives a talk on Mauna Loa geochemistry for USGS Volcano Awareness Month.