Eric taught science and math at Mt. Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana. As a teacher, I know that preparing for the daily tasks is a full-time job that requires most of my energy. When approached by a new subject area, in which I know very little, I am inclined to go the route of least resistance. By taking a little time, I have found gold mines of information within the people around me. Their hobbies or work have often filled my needs.
Societies are another source of information and assistance.
For the price of a postage stamp and a sheet of school letterhead, many state and federal societies will send you information packets on almost any subject. This is especially true for the geological societies. The state and federal geological societies will go to great lengths in order to assist the school teacher. By taking a little of your time to talk to these people, you can generally get information about local areas for field trips. Many of these people would accept an offer to come to the classroom and share their interests, if only asked.