Geology workshop a summer highlight

"This was one of the most fun events of my summer! The field trips were especially informative and inspiring."

Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program offers several professional development events each summer. Regina Sackman, principal of Springmill STEM Elementary School in Mansfield City Schools, attended both the elementary STEM and the geology workshop last summer. She shares about teaching the Edible Tectonics lesson with fourth-grade students:

We reviewed the students' prior knowledge of the layers of the earth and plate tectonics before diving into this tectonics exploration. The students had several “I get it now!” moments when we moved the “earth” to demonstrate transforming, divergent, and convergent boundaries. This lesson allowed students to see concrete examples of what happens on a grand scale to the earth’s lithosphere. The lesson went well and it will definitely be taught again to the fourth grade class.

The class also explored the fossils I collected from our OOGEEP field trip to Caesar Creek State Park. Students worked on identifying the fossils using one of the field resources from the trip. This was an extension of lessons on Ohio’s Sedimentary Basins and how fossils form. Next year I’d love to organize a fourth-grade family field trip to Caesars Creek!

The quality of the resources shared and the opportunity to network during the workshops were two of the many highlights. The format allowed for teachers to explore the whole curriculum while becoming well-versed in the lessons we presented as a small group to all the participants. I appreciated how the workshop included hands-on project-based lessons and integrated the supplies given to participants so we were comfortable and confident in using them and teaching the lessons. The teacher resource book Roadside Geology of Ohio was one that has been on my reading list— it was like Christmas in June when I saw it in my OOGEEP teacher kit!

The field trips were astounding! The Orton Geological Museum and tour was a delight. I was not previously aware of this resource and appreciated the chance to explore and learn more about rocks, minerals, fossils, and geology. The excitement continued as we traveled to the Ohio State House and explored the fossils in the limestone and building materials. Culminating the geological adventures with a fossil hunt at Caesar Creek was more than I could have anticipated. These experiences will enrich my teaching and educational leadership. Thank you for this opportunity!