Education -- It's Just Who We Are
The Payson Rimstones Rock Club engages in a wide variety of educational activities. It would be fair to conclude that education is our second passion, right after rock-hounding!
Learn Something New
UPCOMING GUEST SPEAKERS / EVENTS
DATE | SPEAKER / EVENT | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|
| January | Amanda Clarke (ASU Professor) | Volcanic Systems |
| February | Polly Haessig | Australia |
| March | Dave Hopkins | Lapidary |
| April | Carol Jones | Poisonous Minerals |
| May | Allan Yost | Rock Gardens |
| June | Annual Picnic | Good Camaraderie |
| July | Open to All Contributors | Sharing of Club Field Trip Finds |
| August | Linda Marsh | Wire Wrapping |
| September | Annual Show Chair & Volunteers | Annual Show Last Minute Preparations |
| October | Bob Zack, Globe | Arizona Mining History |
| November | TBD | Area Geology |
| December | Holiday Party | Good Food & Cheer |
As described on our Meetings page, we tap the rich experience of Club members and friends of the Club to provide monthly presentations and demonstrations that are of benefit to the members and visitors.
Our members are very generous with their time and expertise, as well, when members and visitors have questions about their own collections. Whenever there is an opportunity, members submit photos and information about rocks they have known and loved, sharing with children and other adults alike what they have learned.
On our Learn Something New page you can find excellent presentations given by Club members. In addition, there is information provided by educator and rock expert Lynne Wheeler.
Community Outreach
(Click on a thumbnail image below to view larger version)
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- Pine Library
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- Payson Library
As noted above, the Payson Rimstones Rock Club is engaged in a wide variety of educational activities which includes providing rock/mineral displays in public areas and helping Payson and the surrounding communities obtain educational materials and books related to geology and rock-hounding. We currently support the local Chamber of Commerce, the Payson Public Library, the Pine Public Library and the local schools.
Inspiring and Informing the Young
Children are welcome at monthly meetings. As with the adults, the kids are encouraged to bring in favorite stones and describe them during the sharing activity. Our youngest participating member joined with her family when she was 6-1/2 years old. She especially enjoys the Club field trips, where many of the adults take the time to patiently educate her about the rocks she has found and help her to dig (and carry) the extra heavy ones.
Education Area at the Rimstones Annual Gem & Mineral Show
Each year at the Gem and Mineral Show the Rimstones Rock Club sets aside a room filled with rock-related activities for kids. Preparations begin months ahead. Club members have fun sorting through donated rocks and shells to make jewelry and other prizes for the children who stream through the Kids Corner throughout the event.
One very popular activity in the Kids Corner is the spinning wheel. With each spin a young visitor is able to choose from a stone or piece of jewelry on a color patch that corresponds with their landing color on the wheel. Club volunteers are generous with their time in constructing and staffing the Kids Corner.
Each year at our rock shows a professional geologist makes herself available to answer questions relating to rocks, minerals and fossils.
Photos on this page thanks to Rimstones Rock Club members
Thanks to the Pine and Payson Public Libraries for their Thank You letters!