Simple Geology/Rock Projects for Children
Study Art and Science Using a Child's Love of Rocks
May 21, 2009
At some point in every child's life, he or she will become a rockhound, finding solace and vast entertainment in collecting and storing (much to their parent’s dismay) more rocks and pebbles than any one person should have. When the rock-mania strikes, parents should take this perfect opportunity to introduce both the science of rocks as well as the artistic beauty of them.
Ideas For Collecting Rocks With Children
The great thing about rock hunting is that it can be done almost anywhere. From a gravel driveway to the seashore, rocks are literally everywhere. When rock hunting with children, reinforce to them that every rock holds a story – a story of where it came from and how it formed and where it has been. Remind them to choose special stories to take home and that they will have to carry the collection home—a tip that will often make them think twice about the boulder that they are eyeing up.
Depending on your location and the surrounding geology, many different rock types can be available. If you are in an area that has seen glacial activity, you may be able to find a wide variety of rocks. Stream beds can be an excellent place to find many different types. If you find yourself in this sort of area, try to give your rock collecting a theme, such as:
- A “rainbow” of rocks of different colors
- A series of rocks in a graduated size so that each one is slightly bigger than the rest
- Rocks in certain shapes such as round, flat, square, and triangular
Science Activity to Do With Your Rock Collection
Scientists are well known for classifying and describing. A simple activity for children is to let them be geologists. Assign each rock its own index card or notebook page. Let the child draw the rock and describe it, making sure to record its size, shape, smoothness, grain-size, color, and general feel. Make sure the child uses his or her own words and thoughts, and finally let the child give the rock a name based on the descriptions.
For older children, a rock and mineral guidebook can help to determine the actual name of the rock.
Artistic Activity to Do With Your Rock Collection
Rocks have long been admired by children as beautiful. Let them experiment with the look of the rocks by providing a paint brush and water. By simply “painting” on water, rocks have a completely different look; colors and features seem to pop and the rocks appear completely different than they did before.
For a permanent wet look rocks can be sprayed with lacquer.
Stories to Read About Rocks
Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor [Aladdin, 1985] and If You Find A Rock by Peggy Christian [Sandpiper, 2008] are two wonderful books to read to children about rock collecting. Each one is inspirational for rockhounds of all ages.
From collecting to the activities, rocks can be simple, cheap, and educational materials for children. Best of all, children enjoy playing with them without even knowing that their playtime is actually learning time.
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