CREA

Hello,

As usual, the people at CREA were knowledgeable, friendly, and provided a great field trip experience for the kids. The class was split into two groups as soon as we arrived. One group walked to a quarry and discussed the mining of Topsham feldspar. After much discussion about the bedrock of our planet, we walked to the Cathance River where we noticed many examples of weathering and erosion.  We took a soil sample and talked about the make up of soil.

The other group sat before some beautiful mineral samples and learned about the three minerals that make up granite, the most plentiful rock in our state. They learned about the variety of places that we find and use minerals in our day to day lives.  A major highlight for most of the kids came after this discussion, when they were able to get a cup of crushed rocks and search for their own minerals. Most students came away with muscovite, feldspar, tourmaline, quartz and a garnet. After the first session, both groups switched and got to experience the other session.

Upon returning to school, the energy was low and I think we all felt like a nap. We ended our day with silent reading, art class and some CREA reflection/thank you notes. Energy ramped right back up when it was time for free play for the kids staying after for homework club.  For the kids, anyway.

Thank you to our chaperones and the CREA staff for making it a successful day. Our kids represented themselves well, except for a line dispute as we were getting back to the bus.  If only the trip ended at 12:44!  We talked it out.  We'll do better next time.

I'm once again falling asleep at the computer.

Until tomorrow,

Mr. Shea