The South Sound Regional Science Fair 2013

Science Fairs

by Dick Morgan

On March 23, 2013, Pat and I took my rolling toolbox of fossils, minerals and rocks and headed to Pacific Lutheran University for the South Sound Regional Science Fair for a presentation. The set up was different this year as a part of my specimens were still in a display case at the Senior Center in Bonney Lake. So I had to use different fossil, crystal and finished cabochons for my presentation, but that caused no problems. The surprising thing about this year’s presentation is that there were more adults lined up at the tables than students, although there were many students. The questions were mainly the same as usual, except there was more interest in how fossils were formed and fossils in America. Some people wondered where I got my information and how I knew what material was what. I got my information from reading many books on the subject and talking to people more experienced than I. Some of my material was authenticated by experts, others were identified by me looking at pictures and descriptions in books on the subject. Some fossils were identified by comparing them to skeletons of modern creatures. I was asked where to find people that can make presentations about earth science with examples for school children.
(Specifically at little, or no, cost for the teacher.)

plusciencefair13a plusciencefair13c plusciencefair13b

 

 

 

Updated: April 23, 2016 — 9:45 pm

Presidents Message

  • From the Top of the Rock Pile Our annual club picnic went off great. The grass and Arboretum area was not wet or muddy, plus it didn’t rain while we were there. We had the usual club members attend, plus a few new faces. I forgot to count how many people attended, but I estimate around 40. Thank you, Angie and Brian, for shopping for the food and setting everything up. Thumbler’s Tumblers donated a tumbler for our picnic auction and another one for our holiday auction in December. The new double-barreled 15# tumbler sold for $120, approximately one-third the …

Meeting Announcements

  • We are going to show a video of the most unusual and amazing things found in Amber. It isn’t just insects. We are also going to have a recap of how our Gem Show did last month. Show ‘n Tell: An item that has something trapped inside or a picture rock, thunder egg, or geode that looks like it has an insect, animal, or face inside.

  • Maureen will speak on the geology and the movement of the Washington coastline over millions of years. Show ‘n Tell: Favorite rock or mineral from Washington

  • Glen Ripper is a leading authority on Obsidian. He is a walking encyclopedia which should make this an interesting and educational meeting. Show ‘n Tell: Obsidian – let’s see your colors.

  •   We start the day off with a potluck holiday meal. The club provides roasted turkey and ham. Members fill in with their favorite holiday potluck dish. We follow our meal with the election of officers for the coming year. Our final activity is our club auction. It is a great time to pick up great bargains on rough rocks, polished rocks, slabs, fossils, opal, etc. Our Young Tumblers can use their Rock Bucks to purchase auction items. This meeting is also our semi-annual food drive for the Kent Food Bank. Please remember to bring something. The Food Bank has informed us that they need feminine hygiene products and grape or strawberry jelly. People donate loads of peanut butter but never jelly. They also receive very few donations of feminine hygiene products.

Current News