I have to take that comment seriously. But I do think that Moores’ proposal would benefit everyone if physics/chemistry teachers and geology teachers would get together and reinforce each others’ lessons. Rocks and minerals are viscerally engaging objects that can help ground the abstract techniques of these older sciences. I think his proposal is a remedy for the unintended way that geology has turned into a “gut” course, to use my old college slang.

But confession time: One attraction of geology for me was exactly that non-mathematical, qualititative side. Only as my studies have continued do I recognize the value of mathematics in Earth science. Math was just a subject I couldn’t learn as fast as the curriculum demanded.