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 »
I built Mini Me Geology on the idea that science and fun should go hand-in-hand for kids. From the first day, 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 a wide array of […]
Filed under: Geology Experiments & Activities, Kids "Science" Fiction & Activity Books 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 Education, Geology Experiments & Activities 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: Geology 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, Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities on May 21st, 2017 | No Comments »
As someone who loves rocks and minerals, finding a new sample is super exciting. Geologists use some very basic tools to help them determine the name of a rock or a mineral. Identifying a sample starts with discovering the names of the mineral or minerals, in the case of rocks. Mini Me Geology’s new Rock and Mineral Testing Kit has everything you need to get started with identifying your samples.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Experiments & Activities, Minerals & Crystals on August 22nd, 2016 | 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: Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities on September 1st, 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: Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic 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 Education, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on May 5th, 2014 | No Comments »
