CHATSWORTH : Geology Used in Combatting Quake Trauma

On the theory that delving into facts instead of feelings will help them cope with the trauma of the Northridge earthquake, students at Chatsworth Park School are attending geology workshops instead of counseling sessions this week.

Chatsworth Park Principal Barbara Champion said that when the elementary school received a federal emergency aid grant of about $5,500 for counseling after the quake, she decided a portion of the money would be better spent if used to hire an extra science teacher for a few days.

“Knowledge is a good way to comfort,” Champion said. “Instead of sitting kids down and saying, ‘Tell me how you feel, honey,’ they are sitting down and doing geology.”

Science teacher Alex Koperberg, who is on break from his job teaching at O’Melveny School, spent his first day at the Chatsworth school Wednesday.

He taught a class of fifth-graders how geologists explore the earth’s interior using core samples, and had the students test the technique by plunging plastic straws into hard-boiled eggs.

The talk moved on to earthquakes.

“Before the earthquake you can’t feel it, right?” asked 10 year-old Yotam Antonovich. “So what can you do?”

Koperberg’s response? To prepare. He followed with a wealth of practical advice on how to deal with earthquakes, continually referring back to the children’s own experiences Jan. 17.

“This gives them a clear understanding of their environment so they are not superstitious,” Koperberg said later.

“If it happens again they’ll know we are not going to fall into the ocean,” added teacher Bonnie Gould, who stayed to watch Koperberg teach her fifth-graders.

Roger Rasmussen, federal emergency management aid coordinator for the district, said the grants, which have been provided by the U. S. Department of Education, are earmarked for counseling or other instructional support to help schools rebound from the earthquake.

Other schools have used their share of the money to make up lost class time or to bring in psychologists to help students cope, he said.

Koperberg will continue lessons today and Friday for Chatsworth Park students and teachers. He will also offer a evening workshop for parents.