Activities for Early Elementary

Early Elementary: Grades K - 2

Click on the links to download the pdfs. (Do NOT open in Google Docs. Go to Download)

• My Rock Collection! - This is a fun starter record card for kids collecting rocks. Trying to remember what a specimen is called and where and when you acquire it is hard for any age, and teaching early to keep this record teaches skills in organizing, matching numbers, reading, writing, and spelling as well as science. (Print both sides of paper, flip on short edge.)

• River Country Sedimentary Rock Project - Use to teach about sedimentary rock formation, including concepts like erosion, the depositing of sediments, and sedimentary rock identification.

• Mapping My Collection - Use with kids old enough to be familiar with a United States map. This age will not comprehend the abstract concept of a map, but can still match their own rocks to the spaces named on the map visual. Eventually, this will have more meaning for them as they learn more about the states and collect while traveling.

• Magnificent Minerals Activity page- (K-2) This Magnificent Minerals! activity for younger rockhounds goes along with a simple display and explanation by the leader. Instructions, answer sheet and student page are included in the pdf.

• Borax Snowflakes - Many mineral crystals are formed when hot solutions containing dissolved minerals slowly cool. For this fun activity, each junior will make a borax crystal snowflake that demonstrates how such crystals are formed.

• Volcano - Volcanoes can erupt with a violent explosion or with more gently flowing rivers of lava. Juniors can make this volcano that will demonstrate both types of eruptions.

• Crystal Shapes - Gumdrops and Toothpicks make fun and simple crystal shapes!