STEM East

Dr. Terri L. Woods, Professor Emeritus at East Carolina University, will travel to middle schools in Dare, Currituck, Tyrell, and Hyde Counties for this event.

A study of the geologic map of North Carolina reveals the occurrence of different minerals and rocks throughout the state. A quick study of the specimens found in counties from the coast to the mountains shows very different assemblages of earth materials reflecting the varied earth history and geologic age of different regions. Students will be able to handle ~ 50 specimens and learn briefly how to describe and identify them using properties such as hardness, streak, density, magnetism, reaction to acid, etc. They will use testing tools such as glass plates, streak plates, dilute acid, and magnets. They will also examine economic minerals and rocks which are mined for materials needed to build roads, buildings, airplanes, and cars; or are used to produce some of the myriad of substances that go into making objects we use every day such as cell phones, electrical wiring, computers, construction materials, paint, batteries, aluminum foil, TV sets, plumbing, pharmaceuticals, make-up, jewelry, dinner ware, etc . We’ll look at some of the products these economic minerals provide for us and we’ll end with a brief look at careers in the earth-science and environmental fields.

If you would like to see a more detailed description of the exercise please email Dr. Woods at woodst@ecu.edu.

This event is intended for a group of approximately 25 middle school students.