R is for Rock

Well, I've been slow to update as usual.  Several weeks ago now we studied rocks.  It was SO much fun.  

Here are some of the fun things we did:

We went on a walk around pond in our backyard looking for cool rocks and talking about how they were different.  We kept our favorites for a rock collection.

We put those rocks in size and color categories the next day and compared the sizes of the different groups.

We learned the Christ is the rock of our faith, the one sure foundation.

We went to a local rock shop, Simple Elegance in Orem, Utah and learned a TON from the owner.  We got to see how rocks are cut and polished, and he gave them some polished rocks.  We also looked at crystals and talked about fossils.  Our favorite part was holding a fossilized sea turtle head!  It was awesome!   I HIGHLY recommend taking your kids here!  The owner said if the kids are 12 are older, he will let them cut a rock themselves!

We made a clay volcano, baked it, and watched it erupt (about 6 times) with baking soda and red colored vinegar.

Another super educational thing we did was buy (for $3 on amazon) The Magic School Bus, Journey to the Center of the Earth and read it.  I learned so much!  

Shortly after our rock section we went down to St George and saw great rocks on our hike.  I also took a beautiful motorcycle ride with my Dad through the gorge between Utah and Arizona and we marveled over the amazing things that happened to the earth in that area.

(Our walk was captured by my friend Wendy who is the author of bedheadmom.  To read the post click on the name of her site ;))