Experts Help Students Study Rocks, Minerals

Linda Cunningham, a jeweler and grandparent of student Corinne Hyman shows students her collection of fossils including ammonites, petrified wood, brachiopods and crinoids.

The 7, 8 and 9 year old students in Jessica Watson’s class have been studying rocks and minerals.

They invited numerous speakers to their classroom, including naturalists from Polk County Conservation, geologists from the DNR and a fossil and jewelry expert. These speakers focused on the geographical history of Iowa, the rock cycle, fossils found in Iowa, the properties of minerals and how different types of rocks are formed.

This learning group will continue with their study after intersession by inviting another Downtown School teacher, Jeff Kerns, to speak about geodes. Then they will represent their learning to share with their parents and other classes.