Exploring the Different Types of Coal

Coal is mined for use in the production of the energy that we use to power our homes and offices. These rocks may look like simple black, lumps, but they are unique in their content and ability to produce energy. Interestingly, there are four types of coal making it a diverse and fascinating rock. How […]

A Rock Weathering Experiment You Can Do In Your Kitchen!

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.

Mini Me Geology’s “The 12 Rocks of Christmas” Holiday Song

The 12 Rocks of Christmas – A holiday song for all of our friends!

How to Choose the Best Rock and Mineral Kit for Your Children

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.

How to Perform the Geology Fizz Test without Hydrochloric Acid

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.

Use Rock Walks to Connect with Your Kids and Science

Looking for some fun time with the kids away from the television, phones and video games?

Try a “Rock Walk!”

10 Reasons Every Kid Needs a Rock Kit

I believe that every kid needs a rock kit. Why? For so many reasons. This article gives you a few reasons why science education and having fun with science is important for every child.

New Video: How to Focus Your Hand Lens / Hand Magnifier

This week’s video was really fun to shoot except that I kept messing up the word MAG-NA-FA-CA-TION. I finally got it!

Science Fun = Summer Learning (and the kids won’t even notice!)

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.

What is Rock Weathering?

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.