Rock and mineral kits are a beloved childhood toy. From our youngest geologists who pick up random rocks on the playground to older kids who explore outcrops in the woods, geology fascinates kids of all ages (and lots of adults too). Parents can use rock and mineral kits to elevate science in their kids minds and to promote other skills such as logical thinking and deductive reasoning in older kids and classifying and sorting in younger children.
Filed under: Education, Geology / Earth Science, Minerals, Rocks on September 9th, 2014 | No Comments »
This week Piper reviews our Colossal Rock and Mineral Kit. She tells you a little about the kit, her favorite samples from the kit and does a little dance for you! Goofy girl!!
Filed under: Minerals, Rocks on September 4th, 2014 | No Comments »
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 »
Ah, the weather. Rain, wind, snow, ice, heat and cold all affect the nature and appearance of the Earth’s exposed rocks. Rocks and minerals that are out in the open over time will change the way they look due to the weather. The heat and cold will make the rocks expand and contract which can cause cracking and flaking.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Rocks on June 30th, 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 »
Whether you know a lot about geology or just a little, you probably know that the Earth’s crust and the material below it are made up of rocks and minerals. There are hundreds of varieties of rocks and minerals and each one has its own unique history from the time it was formed to the time someone finds a specimen and adds it to their collection
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Minerals, Rocks on May 30th, 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 »
Metamorphic rocks are the rocks that were igneous or sedimentary and change either physically or chemically by heat, pressure or hot, mineral-rich water. The term metamorphic comes from the Greek words “meta” which means change and “morph” which means form. This is a great outdoor experiment for colder climates or indoors if you have a shaved ice machine. With this experiment, you can see how pressure and heat can change a rock using this this simple experiment with snow or ice chips!
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Rocks on May 5th, 2014 | No Comments »
Many rocks can look alike. Sometimes telling the difference between a limestone or marble and other rocks such as shale and quartzite can be difficult. One way geologists test the rocks is by performing the acid or “Fizz” test. Calcite is the main component of limestone rocks and its varieties like oolitic limestone, fossiliferous limestone, coquina and marble. The calcite mineral is made of calcium carbonate which reacts with acid. Other varieties of calcium carbonate minerals such as aragonite and dolomite will also fizz during this test.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Rocks on April 28th, 2014 | 1 Comment »
