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News Release 223
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HOSTS ROLLA FIFTH GRADERS DURING "ROLLA SCHOOL DAZE" EVENT
Volume 35-223 |
Contact: Hylan Beydler |
(For immediate release) |
573-368-2118 |
ROLLA, MO, MAY 24, 2007 -- Three hundred fifth graders from Rolla Middle School attended the annual "Rolla School Daze" event at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on May 17. Students enjoyed the beautiful weather during their half-day visit at the department's Fairgrounds Road facility. Earth science presentations concentrated on environmental protection, geology, land surveying and groundwater issues.
Rolla Middle School teacher Jeanie Strain, who coordinates the event with the department said, "The students really enjoyed seeing things in action that we talk about in school. The students were fascinated with the modern tools and use of technology, the history of surveying Missouri, the physical science, and the rocks and mineral displays." Strain explained real-world examples supplement our topics covered in the classroom. "Lasting impressions were made. Every session could be applied to our fifth grade curriculum."
Teachers accompanied their students to five educational stations where staff presented information geared to supplement classroom curriculums. They toured the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology, learning about our state rock, Mozarkite and Galena, the state mineral and its role as a primary lead ore. Students also learned about equipment used by geologists over a century ago, Ice Age mammals, earthquakes and fossils.
Land Survey Program staff explained how the Louisiana Purchase provided for the western expansion and methods used by 1800s surveyors to map our state and nation. Students had an opportunity to learn about a different type of chain—a Gunter's chain, which was used as a measuring tool when the state was originally surveyed. Another demonstration offered modern land surveying techniques that included global positioning system satellite technology.
A geologist with the department discussed rock types and their characteristics under naturally occurring circumstances. Another discussion centered around the importance of proper disposal of chemicals and hazardous household supplies to they do not pose a threat to our water supplies. A demonstration using crushed limestone, cabbage juice and a small amount of hydrochloric acid (uses include cleaning and food processing, even pickling), creating the right combination for a potentially dangerous chemical reaction, when combined in the environment.
Several short video clips showing illegal dumping captured the attention of most of the students. Many were not aware that dumping yard and garden waste on public grounds is a illegal and that people continue to be prosecuted for this unwise act.
Staff lowered a camera into a water well located on the grounds for a view under Rolla that spans a distance slightly greater than 100 feet. A video showing water wells that had become contaminated drew interest, as did a discussion about protecting against environmental contamination. Another video rounded out the day, explaining the water cycle, groundwater regions of the state, the importance of clean water and ways to prevent pollution of our the groundwater resources.
"We always look forward to hosting this event. We are pleased to be able to offer educational presentations for school-age children," said Mimi Garstang, state geologist and director of the Division of Geology and Land Survey. "We hope to spark student interest in careers in the field of science some day. As a matter of fact, several such compelling comments were voiced by students throughout the day."
The department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey welcomes visitors to their office complex. The Ed Clark Museum of Geology is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The Division of Geology and Land Survey offers posters, maps, trading cards and a wide variety of publications on topics such as rocks, minerals and fossils. The division's publications desk in Rolla can be reached by calling 573-368-2125 or 800-361-4827. Also visit on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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Editor: A photo is available online at: www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/landsurv2.jpg.
Cutline: Rolla fifth graders size things up with vintage surveying instrument. Looking on is Bruce Wilson of the department’s Land Survey Program. Behind him is a modern global positioning system receiving unit.
