New geology curriculum available through 4-H program

Monday, December 8, 2014

There can be some advantages to playing with rocks, especially if you are an Oklahoma 4-H’er.

The Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program has partnered with the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board to create a new educational geology curriculum, said Cathy Allen, 4-H Youth Development curriculum coordinator.

“This material is brand new and written by Jim Puckett, a geologist at Oklahoma State University,” Allen said. “Our previous geology materials hadn’t been updated for quite some time, so we’re hoping this new material will spark an interest with our club members. We’ll be doing some in-depth training on the curriculum throughout 2015.”

The new material stays true to the philosophy of 4-H in learning by doing. The three-level curriculum features many different hands-on experiences.

Allen said this project can be started when club members are just 9 years old.

“They can start right when they join 4-H, and since the material is multi-level, they can expand and grow their knowledge over the course of their 4-H careers,” she said. “OERB sponsors a $1,200 geology state record book scholarship, which may help entice 4-H’ers to think seriously about this project.”

OERB has provided each county with the curriculum and rock kits to assist with the teaching and learning process. The rock kits include 10 rock samples that are used to accompany the activities and give a better hands-on understanding of the concepts.

Carla Schaeperkoetter, education director for the OERB, said the company is excited to be part of this new learning experience for Oklahoma 4-H’ers.

“Students need to know more about our state and its geological diversity,” Schaeperkoetter said. “At the same time, the materials will teach important underlying concepts in petroleum geology, such as rock porosity and permeability.”

The workbooks also include activities on specific geological formations around Oklahoma, as well as the difference between rocks and minerals. Club members also will have an opportunity to learn more about geological careers.

Allen said additional copies of the geology curriculum are available through your local OSU Cooperative Extension office or online at 4h.okstate.edu/literature-links.