Exploring the Outdoors and Exploring Rocks

Rock On This Spring

It's is spring and time to enjoy the outdoors.  Explore rock hunting with your
child.  Rocks come in all shapes and sizes. Turn your child into a rock explorer

with these suggestions that make learning fun.

Find specimens.

In your backyard or at the park, have your child pick out rocks.Encourage him or her

to pick out rocks.  Encourage your child to use his or her senses.What does the rock

look like?  How does it feel?  What does it smell like?  Let your child take home 10

rocks her or she likes best.  However, before removing any rocks from a park, get

permission first. 

Examine rocks.

Have your child rinse the rocks with water so that their true colors appear. Provide a

magnifying glass for examining markings and texture. In a notebook, have your child

draw pictures and write words, describing each rock (flat, rough, pink).

Do experiments.

Rubbing two rocks together will show which one is softer (harder will scratch

softer).  Suggest that your child test for limestone by gently pouring a few drops

of vinegar on each rock.  If it fizzes, the rock is limestone (acid in the vinegar

reacts with carbon and oxygen to make carbon dioxide bubbles).

Make a rock sorter.

Finally, help your child cut different-sized holes (small to large) in a shoebox lid.

As he or she puts each rock through the hole that fits best, your child will learn