Earth Science Week 2006

The Florida Geological Survey celebrated Earth Science Week with its annual Open House on Friday, October 13, 2006. Recognizing the importance of the earth sciences then Governor Jeb Bush joined states across the nation in proclaiming October 8-14 Earth Science Week. Earth Science Week is organized by the American Geological Institute to promote public awareness of the earth sciences and stewardship of the earth. FGS staff Cindy Fischler, Clint Kromhout, Harley Means, Carolyn Stringer, Brie Coane and Paulette Bond guided our guests through a variety of interactive activities.

Members of the home-schooling community were our special guests at this event. In keeping with this year’s theme “Be a Citizen Scientist” Katherine Gilbert, a representative from the organization Frog Watch, and an employee of Department of Environmental Protection, joined us to explain the organization’s work in documenting frog populations around the country. The United States Geological Survey sent a team of volunteers who used an aquifer model to explain ground-water movement and pollution.

The FGS conference room was set up with binocular microscopes and samples of rocks from Florida as well as igneous and metamorphic rocks from elsewhere. A truck-mounted auger rig on the lawn along with core samples allowed guests to view the rocks beneath the surface in our area and gain an understanding of how they are obtained. Our youngest visitors worked on coloring sheets that showed some of Florida’s fossil mammals. They also experimented with one way that fossils are formed using Play Dough.

In addition, the FGS invited local scouts to our facility to assist them with the completion of their Webelos geology badges. Staff geologists Tom Greenhalgh, Jon Arthur, Walt Schmidt and Paulette Bond escorted scouts on building tours, explained one way that mountains are made and discussed a group of rocks and minerals common to Florida.