1999 Young Naturalist Awards | American Museum of Natural History




Brandon Matthew David Katie Sarah	Laurel Tashina Megan Christopher	Alison Moore Rikesh Mary Maribeth

	Brandon Age: 15 Grade: 10 Pennsylvania Reading the Rocks at Cornwall, Pennsylvania
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? Well, I haven't traveled much yet, and of all the places I've been, I like home the best. The reason for this is probably that I am the most familiar with my surroundings. It's really fun to visit somewhere during vacation for a week, but I wouldn't want to live at any of the places I've been. Home is where the heart is, I suppose.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? I don't think that my report really changed my perspective. It did make me realize how difficult it is to draw a realistic picture of something, especially rocks. The next time I go in an art museum, I will probably appreciate it a lot more.
	Do you collect anything? Why? I collect rocks, and lots of them. Besides being interesting to look at, they make great paperweights, doorstops, centerpieces, and bookends. They are everywhere: under, around, and above us (the moon). There are infinite kinds occurring in infinite shapes and combinations. I occasionally come home from quarry trips with boxes and boxes of rocks, but I end up throwing most back (sort of like fishing). I think the main reason I like rocks and minerals is for their order and symmetry. Math and science rely on both of these things, and rocks are perfect examples of both.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies. In addition to collecting rocks, hunting rocks, and reading about rocks, I like the field of astronomy. Every so often, I enjoy observing with my telescope. I especially like to put deep-sky objects on my observing list. Being a member of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg and the Central Pennsylvania Rock and Mineral Club gives me new information and opportunities to enjoy my hobbies. Also, I take lessons for piano and viola, practicing both daily. The two instruments complement each other nicely. I attend Lebanon Valley Bible Church, and every day I take a little time out to read the Bible.

	Matthew Age: 17 Grade: 11 Idaho A Study of the Geology of the Rocks of the Huntington Formation in the Izee and Olds Ferry Terraines of the Blue Mountains Region
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My favorite spot would have to be either Antarctica or Mt. Everest. Although I've never been to either place, I find them both intriguing and beautiful because of their calm, serene beauty, as well as for their power. Both places have claimed human lives in the past and continue to do so in the present. They are rugged and natural and still provide an aspect of nature to be conquered.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Not really my views on the world, but definitely my views on geology and fieldwork. I found out that collecting and classifying rocks aren't as easy as I always thought.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I'm like a highly metamorphosed accreted terraine (I know it's the same thing I wrote my paper on, but we are a lot alike). I have numerous experiences that add onto me each and every day, and eventually they all meld into one solid thing--me. But if you look very closely, you can find exactly how each one influenced me and why it was important.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I collect rocks, foreign coins, American coins, National Geographic, and dinosaur books. I've loved National Geographic since I was a little kid and never throw any away. I even have one from 1969 on the Apollo 11 landing. It's unique.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: My main hobby is soccer. I love the sport and have played since I was very young. A few seasons ago my team even came out district champions. Besides soccer, I love to read, work, and travel.

	David Age: 17 Grade: 12 New York Deposition Environments and Fossils of the Late Devonian Catskill Delta
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My favorite spot on the planet is the woods around my home. I enjoy the wildlife that I see, and I enjoy finding fossils in the creek.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Yes, the project changed the way I look at the world. I have a newfound respect for the world. In geologic terms, our lives as humans are very short.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I describe myself in geologic terms as very young.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I collect fossils and rocks. Collecting fossils and rocks gets me outdoors and helps me learn more about Earth's history.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: I enjoy electric trains and camping, and I am an avid hunter.

	Katie Age: 15 Grade: 10 Oklahoma The Significance of Stratigraphy and Lithology in Landform Development in Washington County, Oklahoma
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My favorite spot on the planet is Stavanger, Norway, because it is so natural and safe. Children are free to go wherever they want to play, because there is very little crime.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? This project definitely changed my outlook on the world. I am always looking at the different rock formations when I go on trips with my family.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I would describe myself as well sorted, well rounded, with just a few small faults.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I collect antique quilts because there is so much history behind each one.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: My favorite hobby is any type of art, because I think in a very artistic way, and that is what I understand.

	Sarah Age: 17 Grade: 12 Colorado From Uplift to Glaciation: Geological History of the Pikes Peak Region
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? One of my favorite spots on the planet in terms of geologic interest is the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument of central Colorado, a place described in my paper. Having lived next door to the shale outcrops and excavations for much of my life, I have always been fascinated by their fossil evidence of a former world. Another place that I like is Alaska's Inside Passage. The sculpture work of glaciers is so clearly visible on the landscape, and many glaciers are still active. I find it tremendously exciting to be able to watch a fraction of their landform creation.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Yes! Until I wrote this paper, I knew little about the history behind present-day landforms, but as I began to look for information, I realized what an incredibly complex and intriguing story it is. I have a better understanding of Earth's geologic timeline (sequence of eras, epochs, etc.), and now when I come across new information about the age of a certain rock or fossil, I have a mental time frame in which to place it. I can view the landscape around my home in a new dimension as a result of what I learned.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? My multiple layers and interests show my sedimentary nature, and because I'm sensitive to external elements, I am soft like a sandstone or limestone. Like a solitary sandstone spire, I am independent and like to be alone, but I'm firmly connected to the earth and my origins. Versatile and multifaceted, I can fill a variety of roles and forms under differing circumstances. I freely give and share any treasures imbedded in my shales. Also, in the geologic calendar, I am very young!
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I like to collect new experiences and record them in my nature journal to learn from and look back on. I pick up rocks, shells, and other natural objects from various places of origin. I also collect antique dolls and dolls from foreign countries.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: Drawing, writing, and exploring the natural world are integral parts of my life, and I keep a nature journal to document my observations in words and sketches. My other activities include reading; gardening; crafts such as papermaking, bookbinding, and quilting; listening to and playing music; traveling; and playing with my dogs, ferret, and mice. I like being with my family and friends.

	Laurel Age: 16 Grade: 11 Wisconsin Makoshika Badlands Rocks
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? Trumpalo Mountain in the Mississippi River near our home. The mountain juts out into the river and is quite strange looking. To native Americans, this was a sacred place.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? No, I was familiar with the area, but I had to put it all together for this project.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? My room has exquisite stratigraphy.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I collect Byzantine icons, hats, rocks, fossils, beads, animal bones, old dishes, old photos, hats, and antique jewelry.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: My hobbies include beading, archaeology, and illustration.

	Tashina Age: 12 Grade: 7 New York My Fish-Shaped Home: A History of Changes
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? The Amazon rain forest is my favorite spot on the planet because it is home to so many different plants and animals, including dolphins that live in the Amazon River. It also is an important part of the ecosystem and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Yes, I realized that every rock has a history billions of years long and that every landmass is constantly changing.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I would describe myself as developing and changing just like Earth.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I collect a lot of things. I collect rocks, seashells, foreign money, stuffed animals, and international dolls. I like to display my collections in my room.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: My favorite hobby is origami because I'm good at following directions and like all the shapes I can make. I also do a lot of reading, especially fantasy novels.

	Megan Age: 17 Grade: 12 Wisconsin The New Madrid Seismic Zone
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My bed is presently my favorite place. This is production week for a play I'm in (Women and Wallace) and also the week before I start taking my Advanced Placement tests. No place, even Hawaii, sounds so wonderful as my bed right now. Mmmm. . . . Most other weeks I would have answered my house during spring. All of the flowers are starting to bloom in my mom's garden, and the trees are in bud. With the windows open, the breeze blows through the house, and birds can be heard singing outside in the trees. Sunlight illuminates the canopy of trees so that they glow a golden green yellow. In short, it's beautiful.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Yes, it did. First, it served as a reminder of how much of our lives is not within our control and ever will be--a lesson with a sort of carpe diem ring to it. Second, it made me realize that I can do something I enjoy--such as research and writing--and get paid for it. That makes me a little more optimistic about finding a career about which I can be really passionate.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? Not very well. . . . To tell you the truth, although I love learning about volcanoes and plate tectonics and suchlike, I never took earth science in high school. This project was a pleasant reminder of my old forgotten love for learning about earth science topics.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? Yes, but inadvertently. More accurately, I just rarely throw anything out--old assignments, clothes, letters, books. . . Books and costumes I suppose are two things I actually go out of my way to collect. I love thrift stores and used book stores.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: Daydreaming, writing, reading, drawing, talking to strangers, acting and teaching, public speaking, political campaigning, community activism. I'm currently playing the role of a psychiatrist in an independent student-run theater production called Women and Wallace and I'm the leader/founder of our school's gay-straight alliance. I'm also on our school's newspaper staff and just finished researching U.S. involvement in Kosovo for an editorial. Earlier this year, I was involved in a gubernatorial campaign (Garvey/Lawton) and got to travel around the state in the campaign RV, learned some swing dancing, was assistant stage manager for our school musical, competed in the category of Oratory for Forensics, independently studied portraits and figure drawing, and tutored ESL.

	Christopher Age: 15 Grade: 9 Montana The History and Geology of Rocks and Fossils in Helena, Montana
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My favorite spot on the planet would have to be Ireland. I enjoy the green misty essence of Ireland, and being of Irish descent, want to see where my family lineage originated. Many of the cities and villages of Ireland contain some very interesting old buildings made of the surrounding stone from the surrounding area. I think it would be fascinating to study the geology of the buildings and countryside of Ireland.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? This project has broadened my understanding of the way the world works and given me a greater appreciation of Earth as a whole. Most of my knowledge preceding this paper was based on the works of other people. Through this paper, I've gathered a firsthand understanding of the key essentials of geology. These essentials have given rise to a new understanding of the planet and thus a greater appreciation of the workings of our only home.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I, as a human being, am part of an ever-changing and ever-expanding universe. As I grow and mature as Earth has, I, too will cultivate new layers and become more diverse. As Earth continues to evolve, I too, expand into new fields of thought and interest. People are just as diverse as Earth, everyone has deserts and rain forests. I have grown from a young and new generation, just as Earth in this amazing and expanding universe.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? As collecting goes, I'm an avid collector of rock and fossils. I believe that I collect rocks for my own personal satisfaction. By satisfaction, I mean I find it pleasing to look at a rock or fossil and know not only what it is, but where it came from, and all about its location in geology. My collection includes many specimens including some Precambrian Burgess Shale fossils from British Columbia, Canada. Collecting fossils strikes my interest as nothing else could.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: Pardon the pun, but rocks rock my world! Paleontology is the final expression of rocking my world. I find rockhounding and collecting most enjoyable as hobbies, soon perhaps a career. My interest in these fields has ignited a flame of passion for geology in me. That is why I believe that I will be taking my hobbies in fossils into a career in paleontology. During the summer months I try to go on as many fossil digs as time and money allow. The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, is one of the premier paleontology museums and offers a variety of digging programs. Mountain climbing and mountain biking are two hobbies I enjoy, not only for the fresh mountain air but because they give me plenty of opportunities to look for rocks and fossils. I also enjoy downhill skiing and karate. I recently earned my black belt in Chinese Kenpo karate, after almost five years of intense training.

	Alison Age: 14 Grade: 9 West Virginia Rocks of Roane County, West Virginia
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My favorite spot on the planet would probably be where I live, which is Elkview, West Virginia. I've been to many different places on field trips and vacations, but I'm always happiest when I'm at home.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? This project did change the way I looked at the world. It helped me see that what goes on today can affect the way the world is tomorrow.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I would describe myself as sandstone, standing on its own, not letting anything wear it down.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? I have many small collections, but the major one is my postcard collection. I have postcards from all over the world.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: My favorite hobbies are reading and playing the flute. Usually my day is either taken up with homework or a band practice!

	Rikesh Age: 12 Grade: 7 New York As India's Plates Collide...
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? Europe, because there are so many beautiful places and sights to see and visit.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Well, it taught me a lot about the geology of my homeland, India. I had fun learning these facts, especially because it had a direct relationship to my relatives in India.
	How would you describe your self in geologic terms? I am very smooth on the inside and am translucent on the outside.
	Do you collect anything? What/Why? I collect baseball cards because I like watching baseball and I enjoy the sport.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies? My favorite rock is granite. My hobbies are playing soccer and tennis.

	Mary Age: 13 Grade: 8 New York Reading the Rocks at Cold Spring Harbor, New York

	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? My favorite spot is on in Long Island Sound sailing my boat. Sailing is so relaxing, and if you get hot you just jump right in.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? Well, yeah it did. Now I'm always picking up rocks and analyzing them, even seeing if I can identify them.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I'm kind of like a sedimentary rock because there are many layers to my personality.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? During the summer I'll often collect sea glass because it is so smooth, and I love the different colors it can be.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: What rocks my world is track and just about anything to do with running. If I'm really stressed I find that a long run will organize my thoughts.

	Maribeth Age: 13 Grade: 8 Michigan When Disaster Strikes
	What's your favorite spot on the planet and why? I would have to say that my favorite spot on the planet is a quiet stream by my grandparents cabin in the mountains. It is located in San Isabelle National Forest outside of Rye, Colorado. The stream is surrounded by trees and skunk cabbage. There is an opening where there once was a concrete bridge, but now all that is left a slab of stone about 9 feet long. I like to sit down and watch the rainbow trout swim by. It is a quiet place for me to think.
	Did this project change the way you look at the world? With this essay, I had to research information on the New Madrid fault line and other catastrophies. I have learned that even though we go through such disasters, many people still come back and rebuild their homes. I think that we need to take more thought into were we build our cities and how we prepare for such things as earthquakes, tornados, and floods.
	How would you describe yourself in geologic terms? I would describe myself as the gem diamond. It is my birthstone and my favorite stone.
	Do you collect anything? What/why? Although many people collect specific items, I like to collect items to turn into scrapbooks of all the places I have been. Just this year I am going to the Gulf Coast for a Jr. Beta Trip; Atlanta, Georgia, with my gifted class; New York and New Jersey with my church Youth Choir; and Colorado with my family. I think that scrapbooks are the best ways to keep momentos of where you have been.
	What rocks your world? Tell us about your favorite hobbies: I have many hobbies, from Girl Scouts to entering competitions. I am a member of my church Youth Choir and Youth Group. I am a senior in my Girl Scout Troop, were we have recently earned the Silver Award, which is the second highest award to get in Girl Scouting. One of my favorite hobbies is entering contest and competitions. They challenge me to excell in my ideas and thoughts.