The Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) has announced recipients of its seventh annual Minerals Education Awards. Jennifer Bilott, a 7th Grade Science Teacher at the West Hempfield Middle School in Irwin, Westmoreland County, won the Educator Awareness category for 2005.

The IMCC Minerals Education Awards are presented each year in two categories: the Mining Awareness Educator category and the Public Outreach Category.

Ms. Bilott has shared her passion for the study of rocks and minerals with her students who investigate rocks and minerals and their uses through various labs, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Ms. Bilott’s curriculum also covers energy resources, pollution and conservation. Hands-on activities include the study of rock cycle from formation through extraction, thus increasing knowledge and understanding about mining and its impacts. Activities that teach students to identify rocks and minerals, their characteristics and uses, are included.

Students also view videos demonstrating the rock cycle and the processes of mining and reclamation as part of their studies. Ms. Bilott has expressed a desire to expand into field trips and reaching out to other schools in her district to share her passion for earth science.

The Mining Awareness Educator award is presented to a teacher or school from one of the 21 member states of the IMCC. The award will be presented during a banquet at the IMCC Annual Meeting, April 24-27 in Philadelphia.

4/15/2005