Gems & minerals program presented to students at the ROC

Students at Rutherford Opportunity Center recently learned the basics of mineralogy, which includes techniques that helped them identify gems and minerals, through a program presented at the school by the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia. The outreach program also allowed students to visit the sluice to uncover gemstones, which they were able to keep. The program was funded through a Learning Links Grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Teacher Sharon Willets applied for the grant to provide students with a hands-on opportunity for using scientific methods.