3/27/08

Geology rocks at Arlington elementary school

by Beckye Randall

Parker Wells has a theory that comes from years of working with rocks.

“Kids have so much potential locked inside, just like rocks. You just have to bring it out,” he explained. Holding a piece of petrified wood with one end left natural and the other polished to a beautiful patina, he continued, “Sometimes they’re not much on the outside, but they’re all beautiful inside.”

Third grade students at Arlington’s Kent Prairie Elementary School got an opportunity in early February to learn more about rocks, crystals and other geological formations when Wells, a longtime member of the Everett Rock and Gem Club, visited their classroom for a show-and-tell presentation.

Jennifer Matheson, a teacher at Kent Prairie, had asked Wells if he’d be interested in bringing a display of rocks to her classroom after a student’s mother suggested the idea. Wells was delighted to oblige.

“I go to schools two to three times a year,” he said, “to bring the field trip to the classroom.”

Wells started collecting rocks as a youngster wandering around his home in the Lakewood area. As he grew into a man and joined the Air Force, he abandoned his hobby for several decades. After retiring from the military, he became an animal control officer for the City of Everett and found he once again had time for rockhounding.

“Parker specializes in petrified wood,” said Mel Buhr, a Marysville resident and the club’s public relations officer. “He’s got some amazing specimens from Madagascar, the Suez Canal, Germany, Brazil and other locations.”

Wells added, “But you know, some of the most interesting petrified wood is found right here, in the Cherry Creek drainage area near Duvall.”

Petrified wood, which is Washington’s official state rock, looks very much like old driftwood, and can be difficult to recognize. Wells advises rock hunters to check the weight of the specimen and its sound.

“Tap the piece of wood with a rock hammer. If it sounds like ‘thud thud,’ it’s wood. If you hear ‘ping ping,’ it’s probably petrified,” he explained.

Wells’ collection goes far beyond petrified wood, however. His school display cases include crystals and samples of onyx, obsidian and topaz among others. Included in his personal collection are such exotic items as a stone from Frankenstein’s castle.

In addition to his school outreach programs, Wells has provided a rock display for the Stillaguamish Pioneer Museum and is an active participant in the club’s annual public show.

All parents know that kids are naturally interested in rocks, and these rockhounds say children can learn a great deal about geology and other earth sciences by studying common rocks. The Everett Rock and Gem Club encourages kids to attend events and even to join the club as junior members, known as Rookie Rockhounds

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At the conclusion of Wells’ school presentations he gives students a sample of a polished rock called an Apache Tear. The excitement on their faces is evident as they examine the smooth rock and read the legend included in its pouch.

“Geology is an ongoing process of rediscovery,” said Buhr. “By studying rocks we can learn more about the world around us.”

To learn more about the Everett Rock and Gem Club, visit www.everettrockclub.com. The Marysville Rock and Gem Club also meets monthly and plans a public show each fall. Contact Ed Lehman  at (425) 334-6282 for more information about the Marysville club.