Hidden Treasures: Part Two

Another fun time was had by all this past Monday. We have our weekly play group that meets at the Cornucopia Town Hall, open to all moms and their children. At present, we have babies to nine year olds that get together for play time. Word spread about how impressive Kathie Snyder's presentation was when she visited our Penokee Co-op that we wanted her to come even farther North to share her knowledge of rocks and minerals with us again. We were fortunate enough to get her to come before she leaves on a long "Rock Hounding Expedition" to replenish her Geode stash, amongst other great rocks and minerals she'll pick up along the way.

Unfortunately, in the rush to get there early to help set up, I forgot my camera. So, no pictures or video of the rambunctious group of learners. Ayla Tucker came along as her assistant. I might add here that Ayla is only nine years old and has become very proficient at identifying rocks and minerals already. Ayla had prepared note cards with the names of specified rocks/minerals and helped Kathie lay them out on the table.

On the stage Kathie spread out a large blanket. On this, she dumped out a huge bucket filled with Lake Superior rocks and other hidden gems. Everyone was told to find rocks that looked different from each other. They were able to take a small bag of rocks home. There were fossils, horn coral, pieces of copper, sparkly quartz, and agates, just to name a few. This was a favorite place for all ages. Charlotte actually laid down on all the rocks and said, "Mom, I feel like I'm at Herbster Beach!" (This is a local beach filled with Lake Superior Rocks that we love to scour every time we go). Later, the babies and toddlers took their place on the blanket of rocks examining them in their curious manner, seeing how far they could toss them and I think they may have even tasted a few.

On the long table Ayla helped to set up, people were free to look at Kathi's collection and ask questions. Here, Ayla and Kathie helped people look up and identify rocks. We were told to bring any along that we had questions about.

Kathie saved the best for last. She brought along this big pipe cutter that plumbers use, consisting of two long arms with a chain of small circular blades attached. She put a Geode between the two arms, wrapped the chain around the Geode, flipped the whole contraption over and started to squeeze the two arms together, and presto! The chain/blades began cutting into the Geode and it split right in two!!! Here is a picture of the coolest Geode ever! It's about the size of a softball.












So there you have it! It truly is a hidden treasure. This Geode had a gem amongst the other sparkly stuff. And little bits of black whispy strands of sparkle too. Don't you just love my scientific terminology? Thanks again to Kathie for introducing us to more Hidden Treasures!

Location:Cornucopia Town Hall, Wisconsin