As a child nears 12 years old, changes typically begin to happen in the
physical body. One of these changes is a hardening of the bones. The study of minerals and rocks becomes a reflection
of one's own experience. Earth and Physical science become more of interest at this time. As part of this block, we grew
crystals from a quality scientific kit.
During this same block, we also:
- visited a museum with extensive geological and mineralogical exhibits
- took a tour of a cave with prehistoric geological formations that
included a ride in a row boat on an underground lake
- defined and studied stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, volcanoes,
glass, quarries, limestone, gemstones, quartz, precious metals, and meteorites
- identified types of rocks and minerals through simple observation with
a magnifying glass in the natural world
- learned the difference between a "rock" and a "mineral", and made
comparisons regarding composition
- conducted tests for composition (marble and vinegar), and color (streak tile)
- started a rock and gemstone collection
- introduced the concept of fossil fuels
- visited a whaling museum to view exhibits related to scrimshaw (whale bone) and glass-making (blown glass,
uses for glass)
- visited a museum exhibit related to a granite quarry, including quarry artifacts, granite, tools, and
historic photographs displaying quarrying methods
- interviewed a neighbor who used to work in a quarry
