Our Services

We provide in-class instruction, instructor workshops and guided field trips for schools, community groups and enthusiasts. We can customize your experience with our guidance through the enjoyment of our hands-on, land-based, participant-led educational programs.

Our services focus on the learning by doing principle through hands-on, land-based inquiry and guided discovery. We create experiences that result in learning from one’s own actions. We take pride in offering a learning by doing approach that is more effective when linking the earth science knowledge to a field trip experience; therefore, connecting mind and body.

 

IN-CLASS INSTRUCTION FOR SCHOOLS

Rock Identification

Half-day instruction that will review the Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, and The Rock Cycle. Classes will do hands-on activities to learn about observation skills and identifying common rock names. Classes are divided into groups of 3 to 5 students, with each group provided with their own materials to work with. Materials provided include: 13 rock samples, hand lens (one per student), rock mat, identification form, and a rock key. Each student will be given a workbook to complete at their own time or as directed by the teacher.
Cost: $125/class (half-day).
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Mineral Identification

Half-day instruction that will review the physical properties of minerals. Classes will do hands-on activities to learn about observation, how to test for physical properties and identify common minerals. Classes are divided into groups of 3 to 5 students, with each group provided with their own materials to work with. Materials provided include: 15 mineral samples, hand lens (one per student), mineral activity form, identification form, and a mineral key. Each student will be given a workbook to complete at their own time or as directed by the teacher.
Cost: $125/class (half-day).
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Rock & Mineral Identification

Full-day instruction that combines the two half-day instructions for Rocks and Minerals.
Cost: $250/class (full-day).
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WORKSHOPS

In-Class Rock & Mineral Identification

Half-day instruction will include a review of topics such as the Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, and The Rock Cycle which will be followed by hands-on activities to learn about observation skills and identifying common rock names and minerals. Classes are divided into groups of 3 to 5 instructors, with each group provided with their own materials to work with. Materials provided include: 13 rock samples, 15 minerals samples, hand lens (one per participant), rock mat, identification forms, and keys. Each participant will be given a hard copy of How to Identify Rocks and Minerals and the accompanying Student Workbook.

Teachers completing this workshop will be offered the GeoLearns Rock and Mineral Kit on a loan basis for free. Duration of the loan can be for 3 to 6 months, with free drop-off and pick-up at the school.
Cost: $125/group (half-day, maximum 6 people).
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In-Class Field Trip Planning

Participants will have the choice to design their own field trip or use the prepared example of a rock identification field trip to Five Islands Lighthouse. The workshop will help you learn how to plan and implement a field trip using a 7-step scientific method that includes pre-field trip, field trip and post-field trip activities. Each participant will be given a hard copy of the Field Trip Planning Teacher Guide.
Cost: $125/group (half-day, maximum 6 people).
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In-Class + Outdoor Field Trip

This full-day workshop will include the In-Class Field Trip Planning session workshop, followed by a field trip to the beach at Five Islands Lighthouse Park where participants will complete the activities they designed for the field trip. Weather permitting, the workshop can be done entirely outdoors or can be split with the In-Class session being done indoors. Suggestions for an alternate field trip location are welcome. Each participant will be given a hard copy of the Field Trip Planning Teacher Guide.
Cost: $250/group (full-day, maximum 6 people).
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FIELD TRIPS

Beach Walk

Take a half-day adventure with our Beach Field Trip to locations along the north shore of the Minas Basin.  Locations  offered include: Advocate Harbour, Partridge Island, Five Islands Lighthouse. Participants must have their own transportation to the field trip location.

These walks are located at easily accessible sites with parking that is close by. Sturdy footwear is required as the beaches are rocky. Participants will be provided with a PEBBLE FIELD KIT and other materials which will be returned at the end of the walk. The PEBBLE FIELD KIT will also be available for purchase.
Cost: $125/group (half-day, maximum 6 people).
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Glaciers and Blueberries

This field trip will be a guided walk to learn about the connection between the glacial landscape and Nova Scotia’s world famous low-bush wild blueberries. The field trip begins on the outskirts of the town of Parrsboro and then goes north up through the Lakelands area. Site stops are by the roadside, or a short walk along a path. Must have own transportation to field trip location.
Cost: $125/group (half-day, maximum 6 people).
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FOR HIRE

Field Trip Guide

We offer a For-Hire service for those who would like to learn a little bit more about the geology on their planned field trip or beach walk.
Daily flat rate: $50 (maximum of 3 hours).
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One-on-One

We offer a For-Hire service for assistance in planning geology-related lessons or activities, whether they be in a classroom setting or outdoors.
Daily flat rate: $50 (maximum of 3 hours).
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