Minerals

Sometimes the simplest things make the most memorable lessons. You can find rocks just about anywhere, and most kids have collected them at one time or another. Careful examination, comparison, and classification are a big part of rock collecting. Kids who enjoy finding and sorting rocks will learn a lot about geology and earth science while doing something they enjoy.

When my older sister was in elementary school, each student was given a starter rock collection. The rocks were stored in plastic boxes, where each little compartment housed a rock specimen nestled in some cotton batting. I most liked the samples that contained quartz, which caught the light and sparkled. Unfortunately, by the time I started elementary school, the starter rock collection program had been discontinued. Bummer!