Bringing Geology to Life in a Virginia Classroom

By sharing their passion for Earth science with young learners, our scientists and geologists inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Recently, Emily Seamster, Senior Staff Scientist in our Richmond office, brought geology to life for a fifth-grade classroom studying geology, weathering, and the water cycle in the Hanover Public School District in Hanover County, VA.

“If I can leave with even one student excited about becoming a geologist, environmental scientist, or engineer, that’s a win for me,” says Emily, who has been with Schnabel for almost four years. “We need this next generation of professionals to have passion and purpose for their work, and I believe that seed gets planted early in life.”

Emily shared information about different rock types, soil types and textures, the geographic provinces of Virginia, deposition, aquifers, personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering considerations, and environmental science.

Talent Acquisition Partner Emily Bicking, whose son is in the class, joined the visit and provided shaded eye protection and Schnabel tote bags for each student.

“The kids all really seemed interested and engaged,” Emily S. says. “Many of them raised their hands to answer questions, and a few asked questions of their own. When we passed out the samples, they were all hands-on, feeling the soil and asking questions about what types of soil they had. They learned the difference between sand, silt, and clay. One student asked if the work we do to figure out the types of soil in the ground was related to humans colonizing Mars – my favorite question by far!”

Highlighting STEM roles in the classroom is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in future scientists while living our values.