The Australian Seismometers in Schools Network (AuSIS)
The Australian Seismometers in Schools project (AuSIS) is an outreach program to install 50 research quality broadband seismometers in Australian Schools. The goal of the program is to raise awareness of geoscience through observing our dynamic earth in motion. Students are required to look after their own...
The Australian Seismometers in Schools (AuSIS) program is a national initiative with a dual mission: to advance Earth science education and support scientific research and earthquake monitoring. Backed by AuScope and affiliated with the international Seismographs in Schools (SIS) initiative, AuSIS connects classrooms to cutting-edge geophysical science.
What sets AuSIS apart from many other SIS programs is its use of research-grade seismometers, which are permanently installed in schools across Australia. This approach ensures the data collected is of high quality and valuable not only for student learning but also for professional seismic monitoring and research.
AuSIS transforms schools into mini seismic observatories. These instruments detect ground motion from both local and distant earthquakes, as well as vibrations from everyday human activity, allowing students to witness Earth’s dynamic nature in real time.
With a growing network of over 50 active sites, AuSIS plays a vital role in STEM education and geophysical research. Students gain meaningful, hands-on experience working with real seismic data, while researchers benefit from openly accessible broadband data through AusPass.
Our Goals
Raise awareness of regional earthquakes and Earth science
Provide hands-on learning experiences in physics and geoscience
Inspire students to consider careers in STEM
Contribute valuable data to national and international seismological research
We, the AuSIS team, acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, work, and learn in Canberra. We pay our deepest respects to their Elders, past and present.
Through our work installing seismometers in schools across the country, we have the privilege of visiting many traditional lands. We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of all these regions — the first scientists and caretakers of this land — whose deep knowledge and connection to Country continue to guide and inspire our work.
