Graduate Students Honored By Scouts For Community Outreach
Geology and Geophysics graduate students Michelle Chrpa and Ali Snell were invited to the local Scouts Annual Blue and Gold Banquet in recognition of their outreach.
Apr 15, 2020
Feb. 29, Michelle Chrpa and Ali Snell, Ph.D. students in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University, were honored at the Scouts Annual Blue and Gold Banquet for their community outreach. They were invited by the Webelos group of Pack 62, College Station.
This past Fall, Michelle and Ali led geology-based outreach activities for the Webelos group. They focused on the key things that a typical 4th-grader would need to know to earn the Earth Rocks badge.
Two Webelos enjoy igneous rock samples with Michelle Chrpa. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Armstrong.)
Ali Snell discusses the basics of minerals with Webelos. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Armstrong.)
The Earth Rocks badge includes learning geology basics like the types of rocks, Mohs scale of mineral hardness, and careers in geology.
“They seemed to really pick up on observing the differences between rocks and classifications, and how rocks and minerals related to Minecraft,” said Andy Armstrong, a Webelos parent.
“So often they play a game, watch a show, or see a movie and never connect to reality. I know they enjoyed the observable, see, touch, smell, taste, aspect of the rocks and minerals.”
A Webelo uses a hand lens to take a closer look at an igneous rock sample. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Armstrong.)
Ali and Michelle answer questions about geology from Webelos. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Armstrong.)
Scouts BSA promotes learning and connection with others. Individuals achieve success by continuing their involvement, by demonstrating what they learn, and holding themselves responsible for their actions.
“This gave them a connection to how they see the world around them. Hopefully, their view changed or will change,” he said.
By Ali Snell
