We're back! And this week, we started a new subject--earth science. We'll spend the next few weeks learning about rocks, what our earth is made of and how weathering affects it all. This week, we began with the rock cycle and took a look at some rocks and minerals. We began with a little exploring. There were various rocks on the table for the kids to examine as they came into class. I also put out pictures of famous rocks and let them see how many they could identify and match. A few of the kids had seen one or two of these in person. After a short video on the rock cycle, the older two classes each split into three groups and were responsible for learning about one of the main categories of rocks. They created a poster to teach the rest of the class about their type of rock. Each group then presented their poster to the class while everyone took notes. With this overview of the types of rocks, we were ready for our next activity: Identifying the mystery mineral! Each group was given one or two minerals and tools to examine and test their mineral. They recorded color, luster, and whether it was magnetic. They performed a scratch test, an acid test for calcium carbonate, and a hardness test using the Moh's Scale for rocks and minerals. When they were done with all the testing, I gave them a chart to check their results against and see if they could find their mineral. The youngest class worked on a couple of different activities. We went over the rock cycle, coloring in the different rocks and methods of how they are formed. Then, they created Bingo sheets with the different categories of rocks and minerals and played a round of Rock Bingo. Additional ActivitiesVideos:
Bill Nye the Science Guy: Rocks and Minerals This video covers the rock cycle and types of rocks. Be A Rock Detective A short video aimed for the younger kids on the different types of rocks. Books: DK Smithsonian Handbook: Rocks and Minerals I love these books--so much detail! California Rocks! Follow up our classroom learning with a field trip or two to one of the amazing geological sites located here in our state. Rocks and Minerals of California We love taking identification guides with us when we hike and this rock and mineral one would be a fun addition. (Perhaps the best part: rocks don't fly off while you are trying to figure out what they are!) Activities: Rock Hound Kids Website A mineral gallery, identification game, and many more activities and information for the rock lovers. The Acid Test: Test the rocks you find for calcium carbonate--all you need is vinegar, and rocks! Crack open geodes: You can buy a set of geodes and then crack them open at home and see what is inside! Research why and how these form.
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May 2020
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