Geologists love testing rocks and minerals and, admittedly, one of the most fun tests is the FIZZ TEST. The mineral calcite is made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Hydrochloric acid is the most common acid used among geologists to test whether a rock has any calcite content. In this reaction, the calcium carbonate reacts with the acid and produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and calcium chloride. The carbon dioxide produces the bubbles that you see on the surface of the rock.
Filed under: Education, Rocks on September 27th, 2016 | No Comments »
Looking for some fun time with the kids away from the television, phones and video games?
Try a “Rock Walk!”
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science, Minerals, Rocks on September 9th, 2016 | No Comments »
Rock and mineral kits are not only a fun toy for kids to have, they are a great learning tool. Here is how to use your rock and mineral kit and family time together to help your child have fun with science.
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science on November 3rd, 2014 | No Comments »
Do you teach geology in a classroom or to your kids at home? This new book can help you explain the differences between rocks and minerals and how to identify each type. This short video gives you the details about the content of the book and how you can use it with your students.
Filed under: Education, Minerals, Rocks on October 21st, 2014 | No Comments »
As we embark on a new school year and fall season, we want to know what you want to know more about? You can leave your comments below or email us directly at rockinfo@minimegeology.com.
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science on September 15th, 2014 | No Comments »
Teaching geology in a home school setting can be challenging for several reasons. Many home school curricula are faith-based and do not discuss geology at all because of the geological time scale. Others alter some of the facts about the science to fit their beliefs. I am often asked the question, “can home school teaching include lessons in geology without having to discuss the timeline or the origin on the Earth.” The answer is a resounding YES.
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science on September 1st, 2014 | 1 Comment »
During the summer we sometimes feel like our kids loose some the knowledge that they gained during the school year. I find myself constantly telling my kids to go read a book or work a few pages in their “thinking” workbook. But there are a few, not-so-quiet ways for kids to learn during the summer and they won’t even realize that they are finding out something new.
I designed the Mini Me Geology Rock Detectives line of kits to allow parents to give their kids a fun science kit that not only has large, nice rock and mineral specimens, but has a eBook full of information and ideas to keep your kids busy for hours, rather than in front of the television.
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science, Minerals, Rocks on July 7th, 2014 | No Comments »
I held my annual Rock Detectives Camp last week and it was a blast!
Filed under: Education, Rocks on June 23rd, 2014 | No Comments »
very day, rocks are subjected to wind, rain and other mechanical processes that cause them to breakdown into smaller pieces and different forms. This process of weathering is part of the rock cycle and causes sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks to break down into smaller sediments and soil-sized particles. You can learn a about rock weathering right in your own kitchen! Try this fun experiment to learn more about the mechanical weathering of rocks and post your results in the comments below.
Filed under: Education, Rocks on May 19th, 2014 | 1 Comment »
lthough the land you stand on seems like it is firmly in place, it is actually moving. The Earth’s crust is divided up into pieces that are called “plates.” These plates are slowly moving around the Earth. While they are moving they sometimes bump into one another which cause the rocks on the plates to fold and push their way into mountains. All rock layers are originally created horizontally. This is a simple experiment that is great for showing the possible effects when pressure is applied to horizontal rock layers.
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science, Rocks on May 12th, 2014 | 3 Comments »
