Dear Educators,                                                                                                                      

A unique opportunity for a first hand encounter with the world of geology, art, and craftsmanship is offered each year at the Gem & Mineral Show sponsored by the Association of Earth Science Clubs.  On March 9, 10, and 11, 2012, we will be presenting one of the best shows ever - the 51th Annual Gem & Mineral Show.  This year's show is at the KCI EXPO CENTER, 11730 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, near I-29 and I-435, near the airport.  I-29 exit #12, east on 112th Street to Ambassador Drive turn north, ½ mile on the left.  The hours are Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.; Saturday, 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.; and  Sunday, 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

We will have many special exhibits, the "Walk  Through Storybook" of Rocks and Minerals of Missouri,  This is designed for elementary and middle school students. Judy Oetting, author of the children's publications, “M is for Missouri Rocks and Minerals”, and the workbook, “Missouri Rocks and Minerals, Fun Facts and Games” is the designer of this walk through storybook.  Area Colleges, Universities, and Association Clubs' members will display unique specimens and collections of fossils, gems, geodes, minerals, rocks, stones, and handcrafted jewelry items.  Skilled craftsmen and women will be demonstrating beading, chain making, faceting, flint napping (arrowhead making), lampworking (making of glass beads), lapidary (gem carving, cabochon cutting, sphere making), silversmithing, tool making, wax molding, and wire wrapping. 

We wish to invite educators to plan field trips to the Show.  Youth groups (of at least 10) and classes of all ages and sizes, accompanied by adult leadership, one adult to every 10 students, will be welcome Friday, March 9, 2012, for a group rate of $1.00 per student.  The hours Friday are 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.  Chaperones are admitted free of charge and are asked to stay with their groups.  There will be a door prize drawing, just for kids’ this year.  There is the Up, Up and Away Café ready to serve the students, they serve hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and deli sandwiches, along with nachos, and french fries, an average burger, chips, and soda will run about $6.50, or you may bring sack lunches and eat them in the café. 

There is a large area for shopping and there are some items available at most of the vendors priced for students to purchase.  There is a swap area with many items reasonably priced, especially for students.  The Association Booth has many things priced for kids.

If you are planning to attend the show, you will need to pre-register, as there are a few things I need to know:

What is the name of your school?                               What is your school address?
Who is the teacher that will be in charge?                  How many students will be coming?
How many chaperones will be with the group?         What day do you plan on coming?     

How many “classroom” teachers with your group?    What time do you plan on arriving?              
Do you plan on eating lunch at the show or will your students be bringing their lunches?

Please send me this information by e-mail to threetrails@sbcglobal.net .

There are also a few things that I need to let you know:
All money for entrance fees needs to be paid in a lump sum at the door.  Students are $1.00 and chaperones are free.
There must be 1 chaperone for every TEN students.  Students must stay with their chaperones.
Students need name tags with their names and the name of School.           
There will be many items for sale; students might want to bring $.

As an educator, you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and value of the experience we provide for the young people to learn about and appreciate our "Earth Treasures".  Visit our web site at http://www.kcgemshow.org.  I hope to see you at the Show.  Thank you for your cooperation in all matters!

Kara M. Paris (School Groups Chairperson)