TEACHING EARTH SCIENCE AT SUMMER CAMP: AN INFORMAL SETTING THAT IS ALMOST IDEAL

Any parent knows that kids are fascinated by geology. Many five-year-olds can rattle off the scientific names of dinosaurs and describe them. Children of all ages will sit and sort stones, examining each one carefully before placing it into an appropriate pile. Yet, few ever become professional geoscientists. We have found an ideal setting to reach this audience with lessons and activities that go beyond names and rock piles—Summer Camp. At Camp Pemigewassett, a camp for boys ages 8-15 in Wentworth, NH, we teach everything from Beginning Rocks and Minerals to more advanced “classes” in plate tectonics or water geology. Our techniques combine hands-on, in-the-field instruction with more conventional approaches that use maps, models, and discussion. The field work gives campers a chance to collect if they wish, observe things as they happen, and see how geological concepts play out in the rocks around them. We do not use any "screens" or similar technologies, as none are needed. For example, a map and globe introduction about plate tectonics is illustrated by going to a place with folded rocks and actually seeing the consequences. This approach and setting has been very successful. Many past campers have gone on to learn more earth science in school and some have become professional geologists. At the very least, all gain a deeper understanding of the earth and its resources, something that will help make them more thoughtful citizens in the future.