What a wonder-filled week I have had! After an incredible day with the science folks at Brigham Young University, I had another marvelous day on Friday at the Utah Science Teachers Association Conference. I was honored to present the Keynote speech on the importance of fact checking, and then enjoyed a series of delightful sessions by other presenters. There are just not enough adjectives to describe this trip.
Even walking between my hotel and the conference center, I found some fun science. The rain had turned the sidewalk into a geology lesson, sorting sediments just like a laboratory stream table.
On Saturday, I presented a session on using a cell phone as a scientific instrument for a group of teachers in the Gear Up program, and then headed towards home in Johnson Canyon.
Along the way, I enjoyed the scenery, wildlife, and geology. At this road cut on Highway 20, between I-15 and Highway 89, I had to stop for some photos. The darker layer is the Buckskin Breccia, a layer of igneous rock from the early Miocene (about 20 million years ago). It is made up of chunks of igneous rock and volcanic ash.
Further along, I startled some ducks, and managed to get a few quick shots as they scattered.
Now I am back home, with Nancy and the critters, and am happy as can be. It is always a delight to talk with teachers and science folks, but it is also delightful to be back to our quiet, peaceful home in the canyon.