EveryDay Earth in the Classroom

 

We had the chance to demonstrate EveryDay Earth in a 6th grade classroom recently and it was a hit!  Later, we were able to talk to the teacher, Ms. Cook, about here experiences with using EveryDay Earth.  Here's a quick video about it:

EveryDay Earth Transmissions #2

The quarantine continues and EveryDay Earth Headquarters is on lockdown! But don't worry, Devin is broadcasting a steady stream of transmissions.   Let's start with some information on coquinas:

Next up is some valuable info on granite.  Pay close attention, there's a lot to learn about this valuable rock:

And finally, here's one about the beautiful and mysterious barite rose rocks of Oklahoma:

Stay tuned for more!  You can get more information on our Facebook and Twitter!

EveryDay Earth Transmissions #1

Just like everyone else, we're in lockdown these days due to the global pandemic.  But don't worry, while Devin is quarantined at EveryDay Earth Headquarters he can still get messages out.  We plan to provide daily (or semi-daily) updated about rocks, minerals, fossils, science or just about anything else.  The first transmission is about petrified wood:

Up next we have some information about Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:

Stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to stay home yourself.  We'll bring the science to you!

Latest Shoot: Checking Out Some Rocks at the Library

It takes a lot of footage to make a project like EveryDay Earth.  Like all our projects, the kind of shots we typically need are of rocks.  We get plenty of footage in the field but since there's no such things as "too many rocks," we're always trying to get more.

Luckily our friends at the Oklahoma Mineral and Gem Society were kind enough to loan us some of their best specimens to shoot.  A few days before they had just taken down a display at the Metropolitan Library in downtown Oklahoma City so the timing was prefect.

We needed a space to set up and our friends at another library, the Piedmont Library, let us use some of their space (and show off some rocks).  Here's what the setup looks like...

...to get a shot of native sulfur that looks like this:

We spent several hours shooting and had access to some great specimens.  There were even several that were so big we couldn't fit them in the light box.  That didn't stop us from getting footage of them though. 

All in all, it was a very productive day and we'd like to thank everyone who helped out.  Be on the lookout for the great shots we got in EveryDay Earth!

EveryDay Earth Trailer

Here's the trailer for our new project "EveryDay Earth!"  It's an interactive video curriculum supplement that lets students go on adventures, make choices and gather data as they learn about earth science and STEM concepts.  We'll be rolling it out to Oklahoma public schools this year!

Thunder Struck

Last Sunday, Devin went out to the Oklahoma City Thunder game to show off some specimens from the Oklahoma Geological Foundation's Rock, Mineral and Fossil kit.  The rocks were a hit with Thunder fans who got an up close look at the museum quality pieces.

The Foundation was invited out to the game to receive the Devon Thunder Explorers Award which celebrates organizations that encourage outreach and education on STEM topics.  Devin and his fellow OGF board member Jason Hamilton were on the court after the first quarter to receive the honor.

They were joined by Christine Berney from the Thunder, Jeremy Humphers from Devon Energy and, of course, Rumble the Bison to raise awareness for the need to get kids excited about science, technology, engineering and math.

The rock kits are donated to Oklahoma schools and are frequently on display at events like this so keep your eyes open and maybe it you'll get a chance to see, touch and even taste the rocks!

Rocks at the Library

We recently helped out with showing off some of the Oklahoma Geological Society's rock kits at the Piedmont Library.  Below are some pictures of Larry Lunardi explaining the origins of many of the impressive rock, mineral and fossil specimens. 

Talkin' Rocks

Recently, EMI's own Devin Dennie did some Earth Science outreach with some young Oklahoma students/aspiring scientists.

Here's what Devin had to say about it:

"I had the opportunity to show off the fantastic rock kits provided by the Oklahoma Geological Foundation last Friday, March 10th 2017, at the Piedmont Intermediate School in Piedmont, Oklahoma. Special thanks to Ms. Rebecca Tyberg for her invitation to come speak to about 300 of Piedmont's finest up and coming students!"

"We talked about the history of Oklahoma, the Rock Cycle, and many other fun facts about the Earth in their lives. I even showed them a Geology Kitchen video or two!  It was a great experience and a lot of fun!"

SluiceMobile! - Mobile Gem Mining Sluice

A quick look at the Mobile Gem Mining Sluice from JNE Lapidary:

Geology Kitchen #12 - Oil in the Kitchen

This episode introduces the concept of hydrocarbons (oil).  A simulation of an oil reservoir is performed using peanuts and concepts of oil/water interaction are discussed.