ESP Biography

Ever wonder what cooled lava looks like or how rocks from deep in the earth look like? Do you want to see the different rock types that come out of a volcano? In this class we will explore the different rock types, where they are found, and how to identify them in different places you see everyday. Hands on activities will show you how geologists look at rocks to interpret them to gain important information about our earth! Understanding what rocks are composed of and how they behaved in the past gives us insights to how they might behave in the future. Codevelopers: Elizabeth Morin, Meredith Townsend, Natalie Sievers

Have you seen fluorescent minerals before? What about a mineral reacting with acid? This hands-on class will show you those things and more! Learn how geologists identify minerals out in the field to understand a rocks history. Group challenges will teach you the different techniques used to tell minerals apart and why they are important when looking at different rocks. Fool's gold, also known as iron sulfide (pyrite), has led to many a "gold" rush. Learn about mineral properties and don't get fooled.