GEOLOGY Lab for Kids: 52 PROJECTS TO EXPLORE ROCKS, GEMS, GEODES, CRYSTALS, FOSSILS, AND OTHER WONDERS OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE by GARRET ROMAINE

In this book, you will learn a lot about how and why events happen. You will learn the scientific basis for the processes you see around you, and you will learn to think about the Earth in new ways. Some of the most important parts of geology come down to very simple concepts – gravity, friction, heat and water. You will learn about things like:

How to make your own crystals.
Learn how crystals form and how to tell them apart. All rocks contain crystals, so this is a perfect place to begin.

The differences between major rock types.
Learn how the three main groups of rocks form. You’ll discover the forces behind igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Identification and prospecting.
See how scientists tell gems from ordinary crystals and how they learn to look for valuable rocks. Once you learn how to tell one mineral from another, you can start to identify the rocks you find all around you.

How things break down (entropy).
See how Earth’s forces take fresh, young lava flows and turn them into sand at the beach. The sun plays a part, too, and so do plants. Entropy is the idea that everything breaks down eventually. Steel will rust, and mountains will crumble.

Why space rocks are important. Learn how comets and meteorites can rearrange the Earth’s surface.

Rocks can be more than just rocks.
Now that you know what’s going on inside a rock or crystal, you’ll see what you can do with rocks and minerals in work and play. There are lots of ways to display your treasures and use them to create art or everyday objects. Early humans used the materials around them for tools and you can, too.