7. Notebook and pencil for keeping records of the locality and bed from which specimens are collected.
8. Collecting bag—a musette bag, a knapsack, or similar bag of strong material.
9. Heavy gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes.
10. Labels and wrappings. Field identification of specimens may be written on adhesive tape and attached to the specimen or on a slip of paper enclosed in the wrapping. Newspaper, brown paper, or paper bags can be used for wrapping specimens. Label the outside of the wrapped specimen too. Take only the best specimens home with you. Trim specimens to hand size (about 2 by 3 inches).
All specimens should be labeled with the following information: name of mineral or rock type, where found, collector’s name, and date. As your collection grows, you may want to set up a system of cataloging. List specimens and assign a number to each one. Place a small amount of white enamel on a corner of each specimen; when the enamel dries, number the sample with India ink; coat number with lacquer. Corresponding numbers should be entered on your list of specimens.
EDUCATIONAL EXTENSION PROGRAM
This book was prepared by the Educational Extension Section of the Illinois State Geological Survey, principally Betty Jean Hanagan, I. Edgar Odom, and Shirley J. Trueblood, under the direction of George M. Wilson. They were assisted by other members of the Survey staff, especially J. E. Lamar and J. C. Bradbury of the Industrial Minerals Section.
Educational Extension also serves the public by assembling and distributing rock and mineral collections for Illinois educational groups, giving lectures, preparing exhibits, answering queries about identification of rocks and minerals, reporting Survey news, and conducting earth science field trips.
During each year six field trips are conducted in widely separated parts of the state for teachers, students, and laymen. The general program is especially designed to assist in teaching the earth sciences and to help make Illinois citizens aware of the state’s great mineral wealth.
Illinois State Geological Survey Urbana, Illinois