Rocks: And Geology

ScienceWiz(R) Rocks and Geology: Relates types of rocks to the history and structure of the planet. IT IS WRITTEN IN THE ROCKS, as explored in this 56 page, highly illustrated book. This is the definitive Rock book and kit appropriate for all ages.

PROJECTS INCLUDE:

• Developing an understanding of the Earth's interior by first using modeling clay to construct a 3D model of the Earth's iron core, the mantle and the thin outer crust. Then slicing the model in half to reveal the inside layers of the Earth to give a 2D view.
• Making a churning lava fountain to illustrate how differences in density affects the Earth's layers
• Discovering how the dynamic surface of the Earth is cracked and on the move
• Modeling volcanic eruptions to foster a comprehension of volcanoes, lava flows and explore rocks born of fire
• Making your own pyroclastic eruptions
  
• Making less explosive, shield volcano eruptions
• Differentiating volcanoes that are prone to pyroclastic eruptions from their less violent cousins, the shield volcanoes
• Connecting the Earth's crust to real rocks by identifying which rocks are most common in oceanic crust versus continental crust
  
• Experimenting with and learning to identify igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
  
• Making your own "sedimentary" rock
  
• Using chocolate to model the formation of metamorphic rocks -- softening but NO melting allowed! If it melts, you have to eat the chocolate and start over with more.
• Labeling and organizing your own rock collection. Over 18 rock samples are included.
• Making your own fossils
• Going rock hounding in your own neighborhood
• Exploring where different types of fossils and rocks are found
• Using maps to determine the more likely regions to find dinosaur bones
• Relating rocks and fossils to the "Tapestry of Time."

Diagram the rock cycle and discover that there are actually some rocks that are NOT cycling! Discover that though there are many thousands of minerals, there are only eight minerals that are the primary constituents of rocks on the surface of Earth. What is more, which of these eight minerals go into which rocks is determined by the temperature of the lava and the geometry of the mineral. Amazingly simple patterns help simplify and clarify what is WRITTEN IN THE ROCKS.