Geology Fun at Turkey Run State Park
Geology is a subject matter that usually involves words like epoch, eras, and ages. Geologic time often covers hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years. Truly comprehending concepts and time of this magnitude can be difficult-especially when you haven’t even been alive for a decade yet!
This week’s field study at Turkey Run State Park helped address this challenge by allowing Orchard 4th graders to see “geology in action!” Hiking along sandstone cliffs that formed as a result of melting glaciers, students looked for clues about the speed of the water that carried the sand. They also witnessed the weathering power of roots, water, and ice as they crawled over boulders and rocks bigger than the school bus they arrived in.
Using “Nature As Teacher”, students searched for salamanders, frogs, and minnows while walking through the very stream that had formed the ravine where these animals live. Pop quiz questions such as “How did that waterfall you’re putting your head under get there?” allowed students to communicate and solidify their understanding of concepts by seeing the geologic processes discussed in class happening “live”.
Opportunities to hike, climb, slip and slide re-enforced the importance of staying on the trails to protect animals and plants like the stands of Indiana’s very own state flower, the Fire Pink, that were in full bloom. Teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication were also necessary for everyone to safely traverse the challenging terrain.
If experience is the best teacher, the education our students received in the three miles of rocks and ravines we covered beats even the best lecture done by a college professor. Ask Fourth graders about their Turkey Run Field Study experience and you’ll hear it was one of the best experiences they’ve had in ages. Ice ages that is!
