Scouts and Gems
On November 19th , the AOES geologists hosted over 55 boys and girls representing over 2 dozen STEM Scout Labs and Cub Scout Packs from the National Capital Area Council. Multiple activities with several AOES faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students helped the scouts work toward earning their Geology badge. The scouts learned how to identify different rocks and minerals, read topographic and geologic maps, and recognize geologic materials around the house. Geologists discussed the wide range of activities in their work day.
After the Geology activities, the Scouts visited the Gem and Mineral show on the GMU campus. The show is co-sponsored by the Northern Virginia Mineral Club, and the timing of the show is coordinated with the Scouting event to help make a full day of geology-centered activities for the Scouts. The show, which ran November 19th and 20th, was also open to GMU students and the public. By all reports the show was a fun and successful event for the Scouts, GMU students, local community, and vendors. The Friends of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter also participated in the show, displaying a nice collection of Virginia minerals and providing information on Virginia geological resources.
