The Shelly Company welcomed 21 teachers representing various schools throughout Ohio to visit its Columbus Limestone quarry as a part of the 7th Annual Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) two-week program, Project STONE (Science Teaching Ohio’s New Economy). Through this program, teachers learn about the science aspect of the industry, and take their knowledge back to the classroom. This hands-on and informative program is sponsored by Wright State University, The Ohio Board of Regents, and OAIMA. This workshop enables OAIMA producing members to develop partnerships with local schools and give teachers the opportunity to incorporate real-life earth science into inquiry based science lessons.
The group’s visit involved safety training, a tour of the mine, and presentations from The Shelly Company, Sauls Seismic and Northern Ohio Explosives. Key takeaways for the teachers to take back to the classroom included simple but effective mining activities, interesting geology facts and exposure to the career opportunities within the mining industry. Project STONE is an annual program open to all teachers educating in Ohio’s classrooms. The program signups start in early spring. The spacing is limited. For more information about Project STONE please visit OAIMA.org.
