Building Connections Through Education: 4th Grade Quarry Experience
By Lily Marguy, PJK Communications Specialist
This spring, P.J. Keating proudly partnered with Acushnet Public Schools to deliver an engaging, hands-on learning experience for local fourth grade students, bringing classroom concepts to life while making a lasting impact on the community.
The Rocks Build Our World program began last November to introduce students to the essential role aggregates and construction materials play in everyday life.
Students visited the Acushnet quarry last month where they toured the quarry and experienced the equipment, materials and processes up close. This field trip connected what the students had learned in the classroom to real-world applications, offering a deeper understanding of how infrastructure is built and maintained.
After the quarry tour, students applied their knowledge through one of four science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-based, activity challenges designed to reinforce environmental awareness, teamwork and problem-solving:
• The “Environmental Response Challenge” encouraged students to explore environmental responsibility and land stewardship by participating in a fast-paced game.
• The “Build a Road” and “Build a Bridge” challenges encouraged students to think like engineers by using creativity and teamwork to design and construct roadways and stable structures while learning basic engineering principles.
• The “Cookie Mining” challenge provided a fun and delicious lesson on resource extraction, environmental impact and reclamation practices.
These activities not only reinforced classroom concepts, but fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the industry’s role in shaping the world around them.
“It was clear how much work and thought went into planning this and please know that it is these types of experiences that our students often remember the most. You have made an impression and have exposed them to so many things beyond the content, delivering real world experience”, said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment to the Acushnet Public Schools Angela Ruggeri.
With summer underway, both Acushnet Public Schools and P.J. Keating are already looking ahead to the fall to continue to build upon their partnership with in-school activities and quarry tours, ensuring this impactful program remains a valued and lasting tradition.
“When we get these opportunities to let our passion shine through to engage and share with students, it is both rewarding for them as well as ourselves,” said Patricia Lencki, Vice President of Business & Development for P.J. Keating.
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- Fourth grade students from Acushnet Elementary School pose for a photo in front of P.J. Keating’s Acushnet Quarry on 5/27/26, when students toured the facility and engaged in a variety of activities. Submitted photo.
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- Fourth grade students from Acushnet Elementary School learn the importance of resource extraction by mining for chocolate chips in cookies at P.J. Keating’s Acushnet Quarry on 5/27/26, when students toured the facility and engaged in a variety of activities. Submitted photo.
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- Fourth grade students from Acushnet Elementary School put their engineering skills to the test by building a bridge at P.J. Keating’s Acushnet Quarry on 5/27/26, when students toured the facility and engaged in a variety of activities. Submitted photo.
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