<p>dmd77, I would like to thank you for your comments about geology in post 33. Many decades ago, when I was a history major, I found I was compelled to take one science course before I graduated. I chose geology on a whim, and absolutely loved it. I was so pleased that I started to take other science courses even though my history program did not require it. In the end, I acquired doctorates in biochem and molecular biology. I just sent my son off to college with the suggestion that he take a geology course at some point because the information is so useful and interesting.</p>
<p>That said, our public schools here do a lousy job of teaching the subject, as many seem to do. It really is too bad. The lab is all around us, measurements are easy, the basic equipment is inexpensive.</p>
<p>I’m not sure why the association with mining would make earth science a second class academic citizen. Without mining, we’d be pretty primitive as a society.</p>