I have some fun rock and mineral project ideas for kids who love learning through hands-on. Also, look at my Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.
Rock collecting is not only fun, but educational. Besides giving kids a chance to get outside it is a hands-on way to learn about science and nature.
And one of the best things about doing rock and mineral projects is that you can ditch the textbooks.
Also, what kids can learn from rock activities is to observe closely. Too, they make predictions, test and experiment.
In addition, they learn to sort and classify. Not all rocks are easy to identify so it takes patience and observation.
Plus, kids learn how volcanoes are formed and about the age of the earth.
BOOKS ABOUT ROCKS FOR KIDS
Next, look at some fun books and resources about rocks.
I tried to include something for all ages.
6 Rock Unit Study Books & Fun Resources
Whatever grade you're teaching, you'll love adding one of these books or resources to your day.
From dazzling blue lapis lazuli to volcanic snowflake obsidian, an incredible variety of rocks are showcased in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this book introduces an array of facts, making it equally perfect for classroom sharing and family reading.
A pocket microscope is a great addition to a science shelf or to add to your bag for nature walks.
You can grab a set like this one to start your collection, it contains rocks from each of the 3 types- Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous.
Identify colorful gemstones, sparkly crystals, the toughest rocks, and ancient fossils. Packed with fun facts, information, and extensive photos all about the rocks and minerals that make up the world around us.
Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.
Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.
Next, look at a few fun facts about rocks and minerals.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ROCKS AND MINERALS
- Different minerals come together to form rocks.
- There are thousands of known minerals on Earth.
- Diamonds are the hardest mineral on earth.
- There are 3 main types of rocks. They are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
- And some rocks are formed in volcanoes.
- Pumice is a rock that floats.
- Some rocks sparkle because they have tiny crystals inside.
Next, look at these rocks and minerals project ideas.
8 ROCKS AND MINERALS PROJECT IDEAS
We use rocks every day and you’ll love these hands-on ideas.
1. MAKE EDIBLE METAMORPHIC ROCKS & FREE NOTEBOOKING PAGES
Too, this fun and easy recipe is great to do with all your kids even though the older ones may know the basic differences in rocks.
2. MAKE CRYSTALS
Imagine a crystal as a kind of super cool, sparkling rock. But not just any rock – crystals have a special structure that makes them unique.
Your kids will love growing these fun crystals.
3. EDIBLE ROCK CYCLE FUDGE
Next, learn about all 3 types of rocks with this Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages and your older children will love the notebooking pages.
Also, look at this one for younger children Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle.
4. EASY DIY EGGSHELL GEODE
And geodes are absolutely fascinating to learn about. They are hollow rocks with insides that sparkle.
Using eggshells is a fun way to make them.
5. START A ROCK COLLECTION
Then rock hounding is a fun hobby. Begin by collecting rocks from different places.
Be sure to label where you got them from. And see if you can identify them as sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic.
6. PAINT PET ROCKS
Next, another fun idea is to pain pet rocks. Have young children add yarn and google eyes to create their favorite pets.
7. TEST ROCK HARDNESS USING MOHS HARDNESS SCALE
Have your child create a kit adding a nail and even steel to test rock for hardness.
Learn about Mohs hardness scale and understand what minerals are soft and hard.
8. EXPLORE ROCKS AND MINERALS BY AND IN THE CREEK
Finally, to do exploration by a creek, look at this list of supplies.
Supplies:
- Small bucket or container
- Magnifying glass
- Notebook and pencil (optional: waterproof notebook)
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Hat and sunscreen
- Optional: handheld sifter or mesh strainer
Find a shallow area with easy access, calm water, and exposed rocks.
Make sure an adult checks that the current is gentle and the rocks are safe to walk on.
Start exploring the creek bed and banks. Look for rocks with interesting colors, shapes, or textures.
Gently turn over stones and peek under them.
Use creek water to rinse off muddy rocks. Then look closely with a magnifying glass. What colors and patterns do you see?
Choose a few favorites to keep. Keep track of where you found each one if you’re comparing locations.
Draw what you find or write down what makes it interesting.
For example, color, texture, where you found it, and a guess at what it might be.
Make sure to leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Only take a few rocks home, and leave wildlife and most of the creek bed undisturbed.
