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Post by Condor on Apr 12, 2005 19:46:13 GMT -5
I have been a school teacher for almost twenty years now. For a while I had started a rock club at the middle school where I worked, and it was one of the funnest, most enjoyable clubs around. We'd go on rock collecting field trips, rock and gem shows, and once a year we did a weekend trip where everyone would come back with several pounds of agates. It was fun being out in the middle of nowhere searching for the right rock, and telling spooky stories at night. I see many of my former students who are now adults, and they tell me that they still have the rocks that we collected and polished and a few have their own tumblers and still are into rock collecting. As far as I know, no other school in my area does it. Perhaps I'll start it up again soon.
Condor
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Post by gaetzchamp on Apr 12, 2005 20:09:40 GMT -5
Condor-
Hey, that really sounds like a great idea. Something to think about starting up......mmmmmmm.
Gaetz
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Duckbean
fully equipped rock polisher
Looking for rocks in all the wrong places
Member since February 2005
Posts: 1,072
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Post by Duckbean on Apr 12, 2005 22:40:42 GMT -5
You sound like one of those teachers that leave a lasting memory with there students. Way to go Condor We need more like you!
Bob
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Post by rockyraccoon on Apr 13, 2005 9:34:13 GMT -5
condor my lust for rocks came from a jr. high teacher who tumbled rocks and made jewelry and keychains. his wife had allowed him to set up in the utility room and you could always find him there on weekends. i still have some of the stones he gave me.
kim
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Apr 14, 2005 7:42:25 GMT -5
Hmmmm My daughters girl scout troop is always looking for ways to expand there programs- Perhaps a bit of geology and jewlery making!
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Post by Condor on Apr 14, 2005 21:22:45 GMT -5
Hey Stefan,
I'm supposed to do a presentation at my neice's Girl Scout troop (actually Brownies), on rocks, and tumbling. It's on Tuesday evenings, but I'm so addicted to American Idol that it will have to wait a few more weeks.
Rockyraccoon,
What you said made me feel good. It's nice to hear that your teacher played a part on something that you will enjoy for life. Plus the fact that you still have the rocks. Really cool.
Condor
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Post by cookie3rocks on Apr 14, 2005 22:10:27 GMT -5
Hey Condor,
I'm pretty A.D.D. and this is the kind of thing we need. It seems when you see a cause and effect it just clicks. Something you did made a difference. A.D.D. kids are in the here and now, so it makes it difficult. but the understanding that wonderful things can happen with patience and time is the ultimate learning experience. It has opened doors for me!
Best of luck!
cookie
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RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Apr 15, 2005 0:26:44 GMT -5
Condor,
Way to go! I was thinking as a way to give something back to the community about all that I have learned on board, getting with the local school and see if they would be interested in learning about rocks and tumbling. It would be multi-faceted approach - math:weighing the rocks and grits. geology: how are the rocks made (not sure I have that answer), geography: where were the rocks found, art:the polished rocks; and, maybe simple pendents/necklaces for the the girls; keychains for the boys, etc.
My question: what is the best age for such a program?
Cal
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agatenut
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 127
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Post by agatenut on Apr 15, 2005 6:08:28 GMT -5
Last fall I decided to do something with my geology degree and love for rocks, so I became a part time local geology tour guide. I focus on school districts and scout groups. For many of these students, this is their first time "outdoors". They love the hiking and rock collecting and of course, the pizza party at the end. ;D
ralph
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Post by Condor on Apr 15, 2005 7:30:20 GMT -5
Cal,
So far, I have found that the best age is at the middle school level. Especially 6th graders because they are old enough to understand and appreciate most of what you will teach them. Seventh and eighth graders are too involved in other school activities to be able to participate regularly. Fifth graders do well also, but many are not allowed to go on field trips. (Always take parents along.) For little bitty ones, just showing them polished rocks and how it's done is plenty.
Condor
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