EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Part of the mission of the Kentucky Geological Survey is to educate the public about earth science. As the repository for coal, oil, natural gas, and water information, and the outlet for topographic and geologic maps, KGS has a wealth of material that is converted into educational programs. KGS answers thousands of inquiries on earth science annually. KGS staff members teach seminars and give talks on all aspects of earth science, from map reading to dinosaurs to waste management. Rocks and minerals, fossils at the Falls of the Ohio, roadside geology along many State highways, the geologic story of various State parks, and the geologic history of Kentucky are just some of the subjects KGS has covered in the past.

Over the past several years, demand for staff members to help in earth-science education across the Commonwealth has increased, and considering the popularity of earth-science topics from dinosaurs to potential earthquakes, the demand for information will continue to increase. To accommodate this demand, KGS has set up a committee to evaluate plans to broaden its educational programs. Possible programs include teacher seminars, traveling exhibits, and a centralized earth-science education repository where educators from around the State could find information they could use in their classrooms.

"Rocks and Minerals of Kentucky," a popular new book that includes color photographs and descriptions of various rocks and minerals of Kentucky, was published by KGS in 1994. It details most of the minerals that occur in the State, from the common calcite crystals to the rare millerite and Kentucky agate. This reference book will be of interest to rock collectors and scientists. An accompanying set of slides of the minerals in this book will also be made available for educational purposes.

A sample set of three rocks and minerals is still made available upon request, at no charge, to schools, scouts, and hobby collectors. KGS also provides assistance in identification of rocks, minerals, fossils, meteorites, and manmade alloys.