![With a dime added for scale, this marine mollusk fossil, from the genus Yoldia and likely 13,000 years old, was found in the marine clay at the Bonney Science Center construction site during a June visit by Bates geologists, including Mike Retelle, Beverly Johnson, and Dyk Eusden ’80.](https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2020/02/E5-190828_Clay_Clam_fossill_0039-PGJ-200x133.jpg)
Field Geology in Maine
![The class taking a lunch break at Rip Gorge outside of Baxter State Park](http://telegraham.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/gorge.jpg)
The class taking a lunch break at Rip Gorge outside of Baxter State Park
From Graham: Another cool class I am taking this year is called Field Geology in Maine. What’s awesome about it is how the course introduces you to the principles of geology while working in the field. Therefore, it isn’t the same old “rocks in a box” kind of geology that sounds oh-so boring. Instead, the professor has the philosophy that the best way to learn geology is by doing it. About once a month, our lab will go out on a field trip to the coast, Baxter State Park, or even Acadia National Park. Here we collect data on a subject that we are learning about in lectures and take samples back to the lab and learn about its history. Before this class I knew NOTHING about geology, and already I am keeping a field notebook and identifying all kinds of rock types, formations, and seeing more in my natural surroundings than ever before.
-Graham
I have a few pictures from some of the field trips we have taken so far this year. I’ll try to get some better ones on the trips to come. So, keep checking back and I’ll have more soon!
![My lab during a sea kayaking field trip, we ended up writing a report on the formation we are standing around](http://telegraham.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/kayak-crew.jpg?w=630&h=472)
My lab during a sea kayaking field trip, we ended up writing a report on the formation we are standing around