Doc Rock Brings Lessons In Earth Science To Middle Gate

By Larissa Lytwyn

Middle Gate School fourth grade students recently dug deeper into their science classes’ geology units with a visit from Dr John “Doc Rock” Nicholas, a professor of geology at the University of Bridgeport (UB).

A 2000 recipient of the Connecticut Earth Science Teacher of the Year Award, Professor Nicholas teaches four days a week at UB. On Fridays he brings his passion to the minds of younger students across the region.

“The study of Earth Science is becoming increasingly emphasized in the classroom,” Dr Nicholas said. “In fact, the Connecticut Mastery Test will begin featuring a larger Earth Science section in 2005.”

Using trays of various types of rocks and minerals set up behind him as a tool, Dr Nicholas described the different kinds of rock, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.

“Igneous rock crystallize from [volcanic] magma,” Dr Nicholas explained. Metamorphic rocks, he continued, connote rocks that have, literally, morphed into different textures and shapes from pressurizing forces including the extreme heat generated from tectonic plate shifts, lava flow, and other natural movements.

Sedimentary rock comes from pieces of earth that, through millions of years of erosion, harden beneath a soil surface.

Dr Nicholas used examples of the different kinds of rock through his own collection. Many of the rocks and minerals he has collected come from Newtown soil.

The professor also talked about how different geological areas throughout town originated.

The now concrete-covered grounds of Sand Hill Shopping Plaza, for example, were once covered with hundreds of yards of soft, sandy soil.

Students had the opportunity to touch “Doc Rock’s” mineral and rock samples.

“This is the second time I’ve been [to Middle Gate],” Dr Nicholas said. He was first brought to the school through former student Linda Baron, now a fourth grade teacher at Middle Gate.

“I always thought she would be an amazing teacher,” Dr Nicholas laughed.

The kudos were mutually expressed.

“Dr Nicholas is a great teacher,” Ms Baron said. “He really brings [science] to life.”