News

Gem Mining Adventure Unearths Hidden Treasures

They weren't digging for diamonds, but our third grade students were just as excited about the gemstones they discovered last week as "Diamond Del" brought a unique, mobile gem mining experience to PCA! The students participated in a hands-on learning activity about rock and mineral identification and classification.

Inside the special gem mining trailer, students were able to sort through a rushing stream of water and rocks to find gemstones. Once the third graders located the gems and rocks, they were able to select pieces to add to their take-home collections. Some of the rocks and minerals that were found included blue and rose quartz, calcite, hematite, garnets, amethysts and mystery stones.

Benjamin Harden exclaimed, “My favorite part was shaking the box and seeing the minerals just appear out of nowhere!” Isabella Grace Morrow said that she “enjoyed mining because it got to show us what a lot of rocks and minerals look like.”

"Quite often Earth Science is considered boring, but when you have a hands-on exploration activity with "Diamond Del '', Earth Science becomes exciting science! I have never seen students exploding with so much excitement as I did today when they went gem mining,” stated Third Grade Teacher, Christina Brazzell. “Not only were students excited about mining for gemstones and to learn about the different types of minerals and rocks, but they were excited to share their discoveries and wanted to talk about it with others. Active learning, in which students share their learning with others, is the greatest result of hands-on science activities such as "Diamond Del."

This engaging field trip was one that students thoroughly enjoyed! “I liked mining the rocks and identifying them”, said third grader, Amelia Neubauer. William Clark enjoyed “mining and getting to see rocks we don’t normally see.”

What a wonderful opportunity for our PCA third graders!

Aquarium Internship Provides Fascinating Learning Experience

If you visit the South Carolina Aquarium during the holiday season, make sure to keep an eye out for our PCA intern, Graham Eller. Graham, a junior with a keen interest in marine animals, is dedicated to enlightening the public about these fascinating creatures. His future plans involve pursuing a college degree in Marine Biology.

When asked about his responsibilities at the Aquarium, Graham says,”Some of my tasks at the aquarium are answering questions people might have about the animals or the exhibits and taking visitors on tour around the aquarium. The most interesting thing I have done is taking people on behind the scenes tours of the big tanks and teaching them about how the aquarium works."

Graham's internship covers all areas of the aquarium from teaching with the Animal Ambassadors, working the indoor and outdoor touch tanks, running the Trading Post, and sharing about the Great Ocean Tank. Graham feels he has learned the most about the impact of the environment on animals, while strengthening his communication and problem solving skills.

 If you are a junior or senior interested in pursuing an internship, the process starts in the Spring of your Sophomore or Junior year in your Individual Graduation Plan meeting with your academic counselor. Some students know exactly where they want to work and others are open to a few different career fields. The Counseling office can help you focus your career interest and assist you in making contacts for your internship within our PCA network. Working as an intern shows you're interested in taking on responsibility and learning new things, and can help you stand out from other college applicants or lead to job offers after graduation.