GIA Debuts GemKids, Offering Students an Engaging Experience with Gemology
Interactive site features gemstone facts, glossary and tools for educators
CARLSBAD, Calif. – Feb. 18, 2014 – Students, parents and teachers now have easy access to interactive, online gemology and geology education through GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) new GemKids website. The site, geared toward students ages 9-12, features a Gem Explorer, Gem Glossary and Classroom Guides, and is user-friendly on desktops and mobile devices. Visit http://gemkids.gia.edu for more details.“Bringing engaging gem information that is fun for kids is a great way to extend our 83-year history as the world’s leader in gem and jewelry education,” said Bev Hori, GIA’s chief learning officer and vice president of education. “Students can learn about the fascinating world of gems directly on their computers and tablets, and teachers can use this information to supplement their science curriculums.”
The “Gem Explorer” highlights 15 popular gems – such as diamond, ruby and pearl – with information about each, including fun facts about color, history and lore; name origin; image galleries and micrographs of the gem under different microscope magnification levels; and a localities map. The “Find My Gem” feature lets students explore different gems based on their birthday, favorite color or by country of origin. Additional gems will be added on an ongoing basis.
The site’s easy-to-navigate content means children and adults can explore the world of gems. Common gemological and geological terms are defined in the “Gem Glossary,” which also offers an audio pronunciation and descriptive image for each entry. Parents and educators can use the “Classroom Guides” to prepare interactive programs on gemology, geology and birthstones, or to prepare Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for earning a merit badge.
The lessons are adapted from GIA’s Junior Gemologist Program™, which offers 10-15 year-old students the opportunity to discover the world of gemology through hands-on, practical training. Taught by expert gemologists and regularly offered at the Institute’s Carlsbad, Calif. campus and in other global locations, the program makes the complexities of gemology easily understood by all. It also meets federal curriculum guidelines, and enriches school district and youth science programs. GIA has partnered with Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America to create a specialized Jr. Gemologist Program where scouts can earn geology and jewelry merit badges, belt loops and pins.
