Chris,
Thanks so much! I forgot all about the Laramide orogeny but that's near the area where they found diamonds, I think. Wasatch sounds good, too and I think that Dinosaur National Monument in near or on the way(?) but I have to check some maps. She can write well enough but is better at math and science. She loved one Chem class but hated the other - a lot depends on the teacher. She's taking AP Physics (I think) next year and AP Calc, plus AP Psych and AP Lit., which sounds like a lot so I may be confused... I'm just the mom! I do know that she's taking Honors Physics 2 right now... Anyway, she's one who has to work hard for it, so inspiration helps - and not working in a lead mine! She's a bit shy so getting her to ask questions here might be a bit overwhelming, but I'll try. She does read posts over my shoulder here from time-to-time.
Thanks again and keep the ideas coming!
Beth