Experiencing Geology First-hand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Times Aren’t So Bad

Zanesville, OH – Maysville Elementary third graders and their teacher, an Ohio University-Zanesville student and an Ohio University-Zanesville instructor all benefited from a lesson in Geology. “The exciting thing is that we were able to teach my students, provide hands-on training for the college student and find out about the use of rock in our world,” says third grade teacher, Susan Sands.

From why she wore a hard hat and vest to how dynamite is used and the composition of various rocks, the students asked questions to reinforce their lesson on rocks and minerals. Ohio University-Zanesville Instructor Linda Taylor visited Sands’ class at the request of middle childhood education student, Megan Seder. “I love sharing my experience with rocks and geology,” says Taylor. “Especially when the students are so interested.”

Taylor, who has been teaching at Ohio University-Zanesville since 1999, worked with mining engineers at the Powder River Coal Company, Gillette, Wyoming and structural / civil engineers at DLZ, Columbus.  As a drilling rig / field geologist, Taylor mapped, budgeted and “sat the rig” for exploration drilling in Wyoming.  With DLZ, she oversaw soil sampling, rock coring, peizometer installation, and inclinometer installation projects for various contractors including both ODOT and the Army Corps of Engineers (Huntington and Pittsburgh Divisions). The added benefit for her audience was the career exploration education she shared. “It is great to have the students see a real-life reason to learn about rocks and minerals,” says Sands. “I am glad Megan suggested Ms. Taylor come as a guest speaker for my class.”

Seder arranged the visit because of her classroom observation requirement for her middle childhood education degree. “I video taped the presentation so I can analyze the interaction among the students and the teachers,” says Seder.

To learn more about the speaker’s bureau at Ohio University-Zanesville visit www.zanesville.ohiou.edu/pr and click on the Speaker’s Bureau link or call 740.453.0762.