On Tuesday, October 20th, Mr. Stannard’s Earth Science class left the confines of RHS for a little field experience. These students traveled to Blissville, Vermont (South Castleton) to a world famous slate quarry, owned and operated by the Camara Family, of Fair Haven.

The tour started with a walk down into “The Pit”. Students were literally able to travel back in geologic time, seeing layer-after-layer of ancient stone. The students learned that the layers of sediment from sediment in an ancient ocean formed shale which over millions of years was pressed into and even harder substance, SLATE. Students saw first hand many of the concepts that they will continue to learn about this fall in the classroom. The veins of pure white quartz and springs of water running out of the stones were a big hit.

Back at the mill, students saw diamond encrusted saws cut the stones into blocks. They also witnessed incredibly skilled Peruvian workers splitting the stone into products like roofing shingles and floor tiles. The students were trained by the mill boss to split slate, and most were successful at creating a few coasters for gifts to bring home with them.

Because students enjoyed this experience and took so much in, the field trip will be slated for every semester to come!