Mineral Exploration

(left) A Roundup Rockhound taking a close look at some drill core; (below) Panning for gold with Yukon Dan – always a popular feature of Roundup; (bottom) A visit to the trade show to learn about the industry. S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 29 and say, 'Oh, here's a rock; look at it.' It's educational and fun! I really want to be a geologist." "These kids seem to be well-prepared. They are inquisitive, and they know a lot about rocks already since they have been learning about this in their classrooms," comments Ryan Turna, a geologist vol- unteering at the station. "I like working with the children. They are wide-eyed and ask a lot of good questions. I do my best to answer them." A highlight: The trade show The highlight of the conference for many of the students was the time they were able to spend on the trade show floor, perusing the various booths and talking to exhibitors. A flock of students surrounded exhibitor Ben Porterfield, a geologist who has gone from work- ing with big mining companies and the government to prospecting for himself. The students listened intently while he described his career and answered their questions. When asked if it was import- ant for children to be at Roundup, he replied, "Yes, especially for B.C. stu- dents. It is part of our economy. B.C. is a funding hub of the world. Mining is part of [our lives]." Ella, a Grade 7 student from École Cedardale, describes her favourite part of the day: "I loved seeing the conference booths and asking questions." Justin, a student from École Inman Elementary School in Burnaby, adds, "I found it interesting to learn that some heli- copters land in snow to pick up passengers, and also pick up ATVs and other cargo." Student projects on display The students were especially proud of the projects they had created that were on display in booths alongside indus- try exhibitors. Riza, a Grade 4 student from École Inman Elementary School, pointed out her underground mine pro- ject and her idea for what to do with an open-pit mine once it is finished. "I think we could turn it into a skateboard park," she says, agreeing that it would be a very large (and steep) skateboard park. She also shared her soapstone carving of an eagle. "Mark Gauthier, an artist, came to our class to teach us how to carve," she adds with pride. A real-world learning experience It seems all of the students gained much from their experience at Roundup. Dylan, another Grade 7 student from École Cedardale, comments, "I enjoyed seeing all the rocks, and I liked using the microscopes. I liked seeing the exhib- ition floor – the first-hand view of how actual geologists do their work." It really connects rocks and miner- als, and the students' Earth science and mining studies, to the real world and to the people who make their careers in mining and mining-related industries. Maile, from Fraser Academy, sums it up by saying, "I love seeing people with the same interests as mine and sharing ideas with others." Fraser Academy teacher Courtnay Moro summarizes the importance of this experience for her students: "This con- ference really helped students to make connections in their learning so they begin to really understand [the relevance of Earth science]." Her colleague Leanne Penner agrees: "Attending Roundup has been a huge hit for the students. The lead-up was a lot of excitement! They were so proud to see their artwork displayed here." "The students get to bring what they have been taught in the classroom to the real world," concludes Andrea Eisler, veteran teacher from École Inman Elementary School. MineralsEd goals met MineralsEd has two main goals: to fos- ter a well-informed public through edu- cation based on accurate and balanced information, and to stimulate young people's interest in mineral-industry careers. At Roundup, MineralsEd once again moved these goals forward. ■

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