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: Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on May 15th, 2021 | 1 Comment »
Today is German Geologist Friedrich Mohs’ 246th Birthday! He developed the Mohs Hardness Scale for minerals during this career.
Filed under: Geology Education, Minerals & Crystals on January 29th, 2019 | No Comments »
The release of the Crystal Cave Adventure series is an exciting step that blends fun adventure stories with science. In today’s world when Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curriculum is all the rage, a novel series that can transport kids to a story that is fictional yet has a touch of real science woven throughout the series is a welcome change to many children.
Filed under: Geology Education, Kids "Science" Fiction & Activity Books on October 4th, 2018 | Comments Off on Crystal Cave Adventures Blends English Language Arts and STEM into an Exciting Novel Series for Kids
At rock camp last week, we performed the salt crystal growing experiment. I used a portable coffee maker to heat the water. We used equal parts salt and water and grew several small salt crystals on the string that dangled into the mason jar. Success!
Filed under: Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities on October 10th, 2017 | No Comments »
Children of all ages love rocks and minerals. Mini Me Geology kits by Giverny, Inc are the perfect, educational products for anyone interested in science. Our Professional Geologist designs each kit series with different age groups, settings, and interests in mind. This guide will help you choose the best kit for your children and students based on their level and type of interest. The first step is to decide on a kit series. The following summaries will help you determine which kit series is most appropriate for your child or students.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education, Minerals & Crystals, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on September 8th, 2017 | No Comments »
Science education sometimes takes a back seat these days with the push of reading and math being so strong. But, science is a part of our daily life. Everything we do and deal with in life is science from cooking, playing ball, growing a garden and understanding how technologies work to watching a rain storm. Understanding science helps kids appreciate and relate to the world around them.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education on August 21st, 2017 | 2 Comments »
Every year I use Sand Art to teach kids about how Sedimentary Rocks form in layers. This is always one of my camper’s favorite activities. Sand Art gives kids a great visual representation of these different layers. Over the years, I’ve found a great way to do this activity without breaking the piggy bank. Pre-colored sand can be very expensive at craft and hobby stores. A great alternative is using salt that you color at home with liquid food coloring.
Filed under: Birthday Party Ideas, Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities on May 21st, 2017 | No Comments »
Making a cross-section from a topographic is not too difficult and can come in handy for hiking, driving, biking, walking and yes, running. All you need is a topographic map of the area, a piece of graph paper, a ruler, and a pencil.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education on December 6th, 2016 | 1 Comment »
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: Geology Education, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic 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: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education, Minerals & Crystals, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on September 9th, 2016 | No Comments »
