Junior Geologists Lab at Kings Park Library, Burke, VA

by Kathy Hrechka, MSDC Member

John Weidner demonstrating his digital microscope. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

MSDC Treasurer John Weidner envisioned a strategy for club members to share our craft with students at the Kings Park library in Burke. Once each month we get to “talk rocks” with kids in the community. Some kids bring rocks in their pockets for us to identify, while others come to learn from our activities.

On August 22, John, Kathy Hrechka, Ken Rock, and Tom Taaffe volunteered to help kids discover and learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. Family attendance during the summer ranged from 12 to 45 kids over the typical 90-minute open house period.

Lots of "hands on" activities for the kids. Photo by John Weidner.

Kathy Hrechka promotes reading, along with her mineral study boxes. Photo by Ken Rock.

We are grateful to follow our club mission statement to promote geology to our youth. If you are interested in helping, contact John via email (jfweidner42@gmail.com) or at one of our meetings.

Junior Geologist's Passport with different activities that, when completed, get rewarded with a stamp. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

Kathy’s mineral study box with labels and chemical formulas. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

Ken Rock demonstrates the three rock types. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

Tom Taaffe demonstrates fossil discovery. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

Tom’s educational collection, “How many of these minerals can you identify”?

Junior Geologist's Lab setup before arrival of the kids. Photo by John Weidner.

Flyer showing the dates of two additional sessions scheduled for 9/26 and 10/24.

--> Please contact John Weidner (jfweidner42@gmail.com) if you are willing to help with either of these events. <--