ESCONI Juniors: For Chicago-area kids and families who like fossils, rocks, and minerals

ESCONI Juniors

HOME PAGE

A Club for Chicago-area Kids and Families
Who Like Fossils, Rocks, and Minerals

ESCONI is the Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois. ESCONI Juniors are the children whose families have joined the club. The main ESCONI website is here: http://www.esconi.org/esconi_earth_science_club/

You can find information about the following subjects on this page:

	The 2009 ESCONI Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show
	Joining ESCONI
	Places where families can learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils in the Chicago area and northern Illinois.
	Finding rocks, minerals, and fossils in the Chicago area

The 2009 ESCONI Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show

The 2009 ESCONI Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show is THIS WEEKEND, Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15. Our annual show brings exhibitors and dealers from around the Midwest to the College of DuPage for two days. The ESCONI Juniors Kids' Corner has special hands-on activities both days. These include free collecting and craft activities for children and a sales area with inexpensive rocks, minerals, and fossils for sale just to children and teachers. Web address: http://www.esconi.org/esconi_earth_science_club/esconi-gem-mineral-show/

Joining ESCONI

Annual family dues for ESCONI are $20. $50 for three years. This covers all members of the family. To become a member, complete this Membership Form.

Places Where Families Can Learn About Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils in the Chicago Area and Northern Illinois

Go here to see what's happening with ESCONI meetings and such:
< http://www.esconi.org/esconi_earth_science_club/calendar-summary/ >

Rock, mineral and fossil shows are always lots of fun. Most shows have exhibits, demonstrations, children's activities, and lots of places to buy specimens for your collection. Go here to see a schedule of upcoming events in the Chicago area:
     < http://www.chicagolandgemshow.org/ >

Here are some links with information about rock and fossil shows all around the United States:
   < http://www.amfed.org/mwf/calendar.htm >
   < http://www.rockngem.com/showdates/showdates.shtml >

Eric Gyllenhaal, ESCONI member, sometimes conducts informal rock and fossil activities for children. Visit his Neighborhood Nature Blog for information about upcoming events:
< http://neighborhoodnature.wordpress.com/ >

Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop in Evanston, Illinois, has lots of great things to see and buy, including a wonderful fossil museum in the basement. Here's Dave' website:
< http://www.davesdowntoearthrockshop.com/ >

Finding Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils in the Chicago Area

Beginning collectors can find many types of rocks and fossils in their neighborhoods, especially if they live near beaches and streams. Go here for some ideas:
< http://www.saltthesandbox.org/rocks/find.htm >

More experienced collectors may want to go on field trips organized by local museums or by groups like ESCONI:

This web page lists ESCONI's plans for trips over the next month or so:
< http://www.esconi.org/esconi_earth_science_club/current_affairs/ >

Family Fossil Field Trips are organized by the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois. Even elementary-aged children can go on their quarry trips. Each family drives itself to the trip site, but you are still required to pre-register and pay a fee. They usually post information about upcoming trips and other educational programs on this page:
< http://www.burpee.org/education/index.asp >

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You can learn more about Eric Gyllenhaal here:
< http://www.saltthesandbox.org/rocks/biography.htm >

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This page was created on November 3, 2003, and it was last updated on March 13, 2009.