This blog is for the use of the pebble pups and junior members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society (CSMS) and the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club (LGGMC). The pebble pup and junior program includes a monthly presentation or activity and a merit badge project that will be delivered entirely through the Internet via this blog.
The live CSMS classes meet the third Thursday of each month during the academic school year (September through May; we do NOT meet in January). Here are the meeting times for each group:
- Pebble Pups and (age 5-12) Junior members (age 12-17) meet from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
The live LGGMC classes meet the third Tuesday of each month during the academic school year from 6 pm to 6:45 pm. All classes are held at the Lake George Community Center.
About the first of each month, there will be a lesson on an Earth science topic and a separate posting with information about the monthly merit badge and the requirements to earn that badge. All instructions for earning the merit badge will be posted. The merit badge work will be accomplished entirely by the Internet. Sometimes it will be necessary to mail the materials to the junior member /pebble pup. Occasionally we will have a guest pebble pup's research posted on this blog.
There are 15 merit badges that can be earned. After six are earned the pebble pup or junior will receive a Rockhounding Badge and certificate as a mark of accomplishment and distinction.
The merit badge program of guided activities are in these areas:
- Rocks and minerals
- Earth resources
- Fossils
- Lapidary arts
- Field trips
- Gold panning and prospecting
- Collecting
- Showmanship
- Earth in space
Supplementary activities are available to those students who want a "deeper dive" in the wonders of Earth science. Please let me know. Many of the members of this group have worked on independent research projects and their papers were published by magazines. Several have earned national and regional awards.
