Rock on!

Rocks are all around you, but how much do you think about them? It’s time to rock and roll about rocks.

CONNECT:

·         The earth rocks. Trace this planet’s history through rocks at http://www.mnh.si.edu/earth/text/index.html

·         From gem to jewelry; see the transformations at the Smithsonian collection: http://www.gimizu.de/sgmcol/

·         Read about the first rock band: 19^th century Canadians who explored rocks: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rock/021018-120-e.html

·         Are all rocks created equal? This wall of thousands of rock samples tests how weather impacts weather: http://stonewall.nist.gov/

·         Look at some super pictures of rocks, learn how to identify the rocks you already have and discover neat things you can do with rocks: http://www.rockhoundkids.com/

·         Rocks do change; see their life cycle at http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/rock.html

CREATE:

·         Create three kinds of rocks by following the directions at http://www.gimizu.de/sgmcol/

·         Find out what you need to use to gather great rock specimens! Your geology expert, Vic, will show you what equipment you should use, how to use it safely, and how to carefully bring back the rocks that you find!

·         Are you solid as a rock? How solid is that? Test the hardness of rocks with your fingernail, coins, and rocks. Start from scratch at: http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/hardness1.html

·         Grow crystals, build a rock collection, and play mine games at http://www.sdnhm.org/archive/kids/minerals/index.html

·         Here are 8 cool things you can do with rocks: http://thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com/how-to/8-cool-things-you-can-do-with-rocks-0157626/

CARE:

·         Do your family and friends rock? Make rock crafts for them: http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/activities-games-and-crafts/rock-crafts

·         Put on a rock party for your friends. Here are some good kid-friendly songs to rock to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0IjoxH4brI

·         Help students study rocks by donating rocks to them. See the details at https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011NE/finalprogram/abstract_185659.htm

CAREERS:

Dig into a good career by checking out these websites about geology careers. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm

http://www.geosociety.org/links/careers.htm

https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011NE/finalprogram/abstract_185659.htm

http://www.personal.kent.edu/~cschweit/Stark/whygeologymajor.htm

http://www.americangeosciences.org/workforce/geoscience-careers-brochure