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, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks on May 15th, 2021 | 1 Comment »
I built Mini Me Geology on the idea that science and fun should go hand-in-hand for kids. From the first day I started the business, I wanted to have a supply of free resources for students, teachers and home school parents to supplement their lessons and the use of our kits. Today, our company offers […]
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Experiments & Activities on March 16th, 2020 | Comments Off on Free STEM Resources Available from Mini Me Geology
The Rock Detectives Kits are absolutely perfect for kids who are starting out in science. These kits are great for STEM activities and they can help kids who are resistant to science become more interested through the experiments, activities, puzzles and coloring pages. This video gives you a little more insight into these fun kits that we developed just for kids!
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Experiments & Activities, Minerals, Rocks on October 31st, 2018 | Comments Off on Mini Me Geology Rock Detectives Kits for Elementary and Middle School STEM activity fun!
As sediments build up in layers over time, they may become compressed and turn into a sedimentary rock. A significant increase in pressure with low to moderate temperature increases may cause metamorphism to take place and turn the rock from sedimentary to metamorphic. This experiment will allow you to create your own sedimentary rock then with exposure to heat and pressure, change it into a metamorphic rock!
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Experiments & Activities on April 25th, 2018 | Comments Off on “Bread Rocks” Make a Fun Metamorphic Rock Science Experiment
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: Education, Geology Experiments & Activities on October 10th, 2017 | No 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, Education, Geology / Earth Science, Geology Experiments & Activities on May 21st, 2017 | No Comments »
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 Experiments & Activities, 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: Education, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks on May 5th, 2014 | No Comments »
Hey Mini Me Geologists! Try this fun experiment to learn more about growing salt crystals. Did you know that the salt you put on your food is actually a mineral? Salt forms naturally by precipitation or evaporation. In this experiment, you will watch salt crystals form by precipitation because it is just more fun than watching water dry and leave salt behind, although you can try that method, too. Grab an adult to help you with the stove and boiling water but the rest you can do on your own. In nature, salt will precipitate from mineral-rich water in oceans or lakes so you will simulate ocean water to grow your crystals.
Filed under: Education, Geology Experiments & Activities on April 22nd, 2014 | No Comments »
What can be yummier than chocolate chip cookies? Well, they are a cool metamorphic rock experiment too!
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks on March 11th, 2013 | No Comments »