Earth Science Teachers meet at Michigan Tech

MESTA in the Keweenaw and at Michigan Tech Video


Some of the MESTA participants at the Quincy Mine


Quincy Mine


In photos here, earth science teachers are engaged in a Paleomagnetism Field/Lab Experience

Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA) Conference is being held at Michigan Technological University August 15-19, 2012. The conference is a joint conference with the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA). Field trips and workshops are going on all over the Keweenaw area.

Among some of the many activities for the earth science teachers include:

  • Caledonia Mine, Keweenaw Copper Mine Company, Red Metals Minerals Shop (Ontonagon), and the Porcupine Mountains with Richard Whiteman
  • Copper Harbor Keweenaw Geology Field Trip with Dr. Bill Rose
  • Paleomagnetism Field/Lab Experience with Dr. Aleksey Smirnov and Kari Anderson.
  • Keweenaw Gem and Gift Mineral Preparation: Copper pours, Lapidary and Stone; Polishing, and Copper Cleaning with Ken Flood
  • Quincy Mine Hoist and Keweenaw National Historic Park
  • Seaman Mineral Museum and Lectures: Keweenaw Geology with Dr. Ted Bornhorst and Copper Crystallography with Dr. John A. Jaszczak.
  • Lake Superior research work examined aboard the Agassiz Dr. Martin Auer
  • MESTA Awards Banquet Keynote Speaker: Dr. Larry Lankton: "The Rock Overhead: A Matter of Life and Death."
  • Earlier Earth: Marquette Area Field Trip with Dr. Bill Rose
  • 16 other educational presentations

In just one example of the many activities, earth science teachers will see some of the Earth Magnetism Laboratory at Michigan Tech and its research projects including investigating the magnetism of Keweenawan basalts, how two billion year old rocks in India record changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, and correlations between behavior of the Earth’s magnetic field and our climate.

Teachers can participate in a short course of hands-on exploration into paleomagnetism. They will examine local Keweenawan basalts for their magnetic signature and magnetic mineralogy. Participants will receive a brief overview of what members of the EML do and the purpose served; an introduction to field methods, including use of magnetic and sun compasses and the rock drill; sample preparation; and laboratory methods.

Photos at left illustrate just one of the many activities that were available for teachers.