STEM night increases geology knowledge

Attending the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program's Geology workshop for educators helped Krista Gerhardt of Montgomery County Educational Services Center organize a STEM event at a local school. Gerhardt said, "The event was well received, so much so that we have plans for April as well!"

Gerhardt focused on rocks in her area of the event. She was able to supplement the rock collection she received at the workshop with a few school kits. The evening was an informal learning opportunity, but many of the students enjoyed the structured activity of sorting by physical characteristics, learning about the twelve samples, and then classifying into the rock types.

Gerhardt said, "Feedback was positive! Kids love rocks...and kids love learning about rocks. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to support the school in this manner and greatly appreciative of OOGEEP for the resources."

Upon reflecting on the overall success of the evening, Gerhardt said next time she would plan to include a parent piece, structuring the activity so the family explores rocks and their many unique properties together.