Northeastern Section (39th Annual) and Southeastern Section (53rd Annual) Joint Meeting (March 25–27, 2004)

Paper No. 1
Presentation Time: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

A GEOLOGY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE STUDENTS AT THE CLINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CLINTON, NEW YORK


JOHNSON, Heather S. and DOMACK, Cynthia R., Geology, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323, cdomack@hamilton.edu

A five-week geology enrichment program was designed and implemented into classes composed of third and fourth grade students at Clinton Elementary School in Clinton, New York. The curriculum was self-made and focused on the following geologic topics: minerals, rocks, maps, fossils and volcanoes. Hands-on activities, along with worksheets, discussions, and demonstrations, were provided to accompany each topic and encourage active participation. The enrichment program was an opportunity for elementary school-age students to gain a basic understanding and appreciation of geology by engaging in interactive science exploration. The program also served to encourage the students to continue with their interest in goelogy and participate in future geology projects.