Thomaston Grammar School fifth graders, municipal public works crew create new rock garden

Sun, 10/23/2022 - 8:30pm

On Wednesday, October 19, Thomaston Public Works collaborated with teacher Lynn Snow and the Thomaston Grammar School fifth graders to begin a special project — a new rock garden.

Snow’s science classes have been studying geology this fall. Students have learned about the different types of rocks, the various minerals that make up rocks, the rock cycle, how bedrock maps are made, Pangaea, geological time, geological features of the area, the Mohs hardness scale, volcanos, and more. The kids have learned to polish cut stones, make rock jewelry, and how long the artificial tumbling process takes. The unit will continue throughout the fall.

The culminating project is to build a rock garden between the already successful school garden and orchard at Thomaston Grammar School.

This new garden will feature a variety of Maine rock specimens for students and the public to enjoy.

On Wednesday, the ground work – laying landscape fabric and creating a stone base – was begun at the school.

Thomaston Public Works is an integral partner, working directly with the students to get the job done. Their access to heavy equipment, materials, and expertise is necessary for a project of this magnitude. The next step is for the kids to reach out to possible donors to secure some large interesting rocks to display permanently in the location.  Any potential donors can contact Snow directly at lsnow@rsu13.org.