The Big Canyon Balloon geology program has been making its way around the state of Texas since 2008. Students love interacting with Rocky as they fast forward into the future to see how nature’s forces change our 15 ft tall canyon model. Students debate fast versus slow changes to the earth while they experience weathering, erosion and deposition. They participate to create landforms including a barrier island, a sand dune, and a delta. Forces causing erosion are explored as we pause to compare rocks and minerals – what is the difference? What are types of rocks we know and how are those formed? Inside the canyon, students will discover a fossil record and an oil deposit. What are the fossils telling the explorers about the relative age of these layers? How did the oil form? Is it a renewable or non-renewable natural resource? The answers to these questions and much more will be discovered during out unforgettable, interactive earth science programs for each grade level, aligned to K-8 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Rocky travels around Texas with his teacher friend, Deb Kure. Studying Geology at the University of Rochester sparked Deb’s love of learning and teaching through field trips and outreach programs! She has since led science programs in urban, rural, and wilderness settings, in a wide range of ecosystems! Deb directs the Nature Program at Camp Pemigewassett in New Hampshire in the summer, and is excited to engage student groups with Rocky & Orb in Texas during the school year.