Elementary Explorers: Rocks, Fossils, and Crystals
This three day course on rocks and minerals is perfect for young geologists! Day one introduces each step of the rock cycle, day two overviews fossil type and formation, and day three focuses on testing common minerals.
Amalia Fernand, M.S. Nature/Earth Science
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,106)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade Kindergarten - 2
Over three meeting days, students will learn the three stages of the rock cycle, how fossils form, and how to test minerals. Learners will view some of the teacher's rock and mineral collection, play fossil guessing games, conduct simple science experiments, participate in discussions, and watch educational slideshows. Everyone is welcome to bring their own rock, fossil or mineral to share with the group if wanted. Please limit sharing to one to three items per person, per day. Day One: The Rock Cycle Learn about the three main types of rocks and the earth's processes that transform them over time. Students are encouraged to design their own rock collection box before class with labels for each stage of the rock cycle: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. We will conduct a simple volcano science experiment at the end of class. Please prepare the volcano before class if you wish to participate. Please check the classroom posts for more information about how to build the volcano. Day Two: Fossils Discover how fossils form and what the five main types of fossils are. Check out examples of trace, cast, mold, and true-form fossils. While the teacher shares her fossil collection, find out what megalodon teeth, ancient sea creatures, fossilized scat, and dinosaur bone fragments look like. Make Play-doh or air dry clay mold and trace fossils during class. Day Three: Minerals Gain an understanding of what minerals are and where they come from. Learn about common minerals used in today's society and the history of birthstones. Practice testing minerals for hardness, luster, and streak to learn how to identify them. Instructions on how to put together a mineral test kit will be included. *Please note: ~Classes may run up to five minutes over time depending on learner questions and discussion. ~The three days of your class may not be consecutive, please check your schedule for your meeting days (For example: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday). ~The first ten to fifteen minutes of each class will be dedicated to learner sharing, guided discussion, and explanation of the daily activities. ~The purpose of this class is not to identify all of the individual rocks in your collection, but rather to learn the rock cycle, the types of fossils, and how to test minerals.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how each step of the rock cycle works, how fossils are formed, and how to test minerals.
Other Details
Supply List
All activities are optional and details about each daily activity are posted in the classroom. PLEASE CHECK THE CLASSROOM POSTS FOR MORE DETAILS ON EACH PROJECT. If your learner has rocks that they would like to share, we will have time to share at the beginning of each class. They are welcome to bring rocks, crystals, fossils, or gems to class. For the last class, they will need at least one rock to test. Any small rock found outside of your home will work! A magnifying glass and rock books would be beneficial to bring to class if you have them, but are not required. Optional Pre-class Project: Rock Collection Box Materials: ~printed rock box labels attached to classroom post ~recycled materials such as a shoe box or egg carton, and cereal or cracker boxes ~glue ~scissors Optional: decorate with collages from magazines, stickers, markers, or paint In-Class Project for Day 1: Volcano Science Experiment PLEASE BUILD YOUR VOLCANO BEFORE CLASS TO BE READY TO ERUPT TOGETHER AT THE END OF CLASS. Materials: ~Empty plastic water bottle or something similar ~3 tablespoons baking soda ~A few drops of dish soap ~A few drops of red food coloring or red paint ~1/2 cup white vinegar ~Construction paper ~Scissors ~Stapler ~Tray, baking dish, or dish tub to set the volcano in. Optional: ~small pitcher ~funnel ~safety goggles ~dinosaurs ~red and orange yarn, streamers, foam, puffballs, etc In-Class Project for Day 2: Play-doh Fossils Materials: ~Play-doh, air dry clay, sculpt it, model magic, or make your own sand or salt dough (recipes below) ~Small plastic dinosaurs or animals, seashells or leaves ~Optional addition: Plaster of Paris or white glue In-Class Activity for Day 3: Mineral Testing Kit Materials: ~At least one rock or mineral to test. Please bring a variety if you can. ~ A penny (or any coin) ~ A nail (alternative: paper clip) ~ A piece of tile (alternative: the bottom of a terra cotta flower pot, a brick, a piece of concrete, the backside of a tile coaster). ~ A magnet (the stronger the better) ~ A pipette (alternative: syringe, eye dropper, or small teaspoon). ~A small amount of white vinegar ~A towel or plate to put under the rock during the vinegar test
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
- Google Slides
Joined April, 2020
4.9
1106reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am offering this class because I am experienced at teaching about rocks and minerals through sharing my own collection. I have a life-long passion for geology, ever since I was growing up in the Rocky Mountains and won my third grade science fair project with a rock cycle experiment!Reviews
Live Group Class
$42
for 3 classes3x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 2915 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
4-10 learners per class
