Sections:
A- Scholarship
B- Education Outreach
C- Future Rockhounds of America
D- History
A. Reno Gem & Mineral Society (RGMS) Scholarship
University of Nevada Reno
Truckee Meadows Community College
RGMS Earth Sciences Scholarship - $1,500
To be eligible for this $1,500 scholarship, the applicant must be at least a part-time student. Taking six credits or more and enrolling into Truckee Meadows Community College or the University of Nevada—Reno.
B: EDUCATION OUTREACH: Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Mission: Educate children or adults about earth sciences and the practical application of rocks, gems, and fossils, especially from Nevada mineral resources.
If you are interested in a free presentation called World of Rocks and Minerals, please email some dates and times to snorm11@hotmail.com for additional details. Classes last about an hour, depending on the requirements of the class.
The presentation shows and explains igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, including common ore metals, quartz, fossils, and Nevada minerals. Students/participants then get hands-on experience picking up and handling the specimens. A general overview of plate tectonics, volcanic processes, and erosion as part of the rock cycle in developing minerals is explained. There is a small rock gift for each student/participant, along with teachers.
The program aligns with Washoe Country Science Standards. Specific topics can be addressed and taught to the presentation team's ability. We are not geologists but enjoy rocks and minerals. The presenters explain safety regarding abandoned mines and give tips to anyone who wants to collect rocks in Nevada's great outdoors.
Steve Norman
Retired Washoe County Teacher
Education Outreach
C: Future Rockhounds of America (FRA)
The schedule is the second Saturday of the Month from 3 PM to 4:30 PM throughout the year; however, there are a few exceptions during the year, especially in the summertime.
Email secretary@renogms.org to confirm or call 775-560-4782.
Students from ages 5 to 13 may attend. Students earn badges from the American Federation of Mineral Societies. Students build a collection of rocks, catalog, and label, then store the collection for easy viewing. The program involved learning many areas of Earth Science, including rocks and minerals and their characteristics and uses. The rock cycle, mineral identification, and geology concepts will be taught, including volcanoes and plate tectonics, making crystals, basic skills in beading, wire wrap, and art projects with rocks.
Our goal is to make learning a part of having fun with lots of hands-on activities.
Society members, including retired school teacher Steve Norman, teach classes.
Classes are at The Rock Building, 480 South Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV. The Reno Gem and Mineral Society classroom is on the corner of Pittman and Rock Blvd, across from Delmar Furniture Store, and a couple blocks from Baldini's Sports Casino on Rock Boulevard.
D: History
The Reno Gem and Mineral Society's Educational Outreach Team annually presents a program to local schools and other interested groups. The mission is to develop an interest in minerals and earth sciences. The Education Outreach team started in 2015. We were busy in 2019 when society members Rachel Carroll, Sven Sander, Kate Tangren, Bobbi Metzger, San Knipmeyer, and Steve Norman presented the World of Rocks and Minerals. We reached about 1,500 students across 52 classrooms in 18 schools, Scout troops at four libraries, and two Outdoor Experience camps. Lori Peterson introduced Agates at two Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classrooms. Web Varnum also presents mineral education to students in the
rural areas of central Nevada.
Each group of students was given a rock as a gift, some provided by John Peterson, Sam Knipmeyer, Alan Metzger, or Steve Rose. Nevada Division of Minerals includes safety information to all participants to stay out of mines with flyers and other fun novelties for students,
