WERI brings the rock show to the students at JQ San Miguel Elementary School for career day. The students engaged in Dr. Blaz Miklavic’s “Sink or Float?” Guessing between the options led them to learn the difference in the makeup of the rocks between the northern and southern parts of Guam.
This led to an introduction of the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer (NGLA), led by a WERI research assistant and EV graduate student, Ms. Mary Clare Snaer.
In her demonstration, the students got to observe a mini model of the NGLA and learn how we get our freshwater for our day to day usage. Ms. Clare highlighted the vulnerability of the aquifer to contaminants on the surface and discussed the ways everyone can take to protect the freshwater resource.
The students were also treated to another interactive game, “Guess that rock!”, led by two WERI research assistants, Ms. Hazelle Ko and Ms. Dannika Valerio. The game connected what the students played with online through a world-building game, Minecraft, with real-life geologic samples taken from around Guam.
The show wrapped with some magic tricks showcased by Dr. Miklavic, where he revealed several interesting rock characteristics. The students were in awe, showing great interest in the bubbling rocks and magnetized sand samples.
WERI had a great time showcasing their work and is appreciative of the opportunity to connect, spark curiosity and excitement for science, and inspire the next generation in STEM.
