Review
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"As a dad, I love to find fun things that I can do with my girls
that are easy to create but also educate my kids without them
knowing that they are learning (Sneaky!!). This book allows you
to do this. You can have a blast with your kids through the large
number of activities presented in the book. Best of all, for the
most part I found that I had most of the supplies needed for the
activities." - Christopher Lewis, Dad of Divas blog
“This companion to Outdoor Science Lab for Kids and Astronomy Lab
for Kids is structured around more than 50 experiments…It’s a
smart, hands-on way for kids to get a better understanding of the
rock cycle, volcanism, and the formation and breakdown of rocks
and minerals.” – Publishers Weekly
"Fifty-two projects all based around the Earth will keep kids
entertained while learning some basic concepts of geology...Each
lab contains a delineated box of additional information focused
on the science behind the fun...This title presents
investigations into the world of geology in fun, simple, and, at
times, delectable ways." - Eileen Wright, Reference Librarian,
Montana State University Billings Library, Billings, Montana for
a Recommended Review, School Library Connection
"Rocks,rocks, and MORE ROCKS. Every child at one time or another
has had a rock collection that he/she thought was absolutely
wonderful. Did they know what types of rocks they had or what
they were made of? Probably not. All they cared about was that
they were their special rocks. This book answers those questions
and more. It is written by a college professor who is also a rock
hound...The goal of the book is “to understand the world we live
in and to actively engage children in creative activities that
reveal the larger world at work.” Each unit is introduced with a
beautiful photograph illustrating part of the goal for that unit
plus an enticing description of what will be in that unit. Units
range from two to six labs long, starting with simpler concepts
and moving to more complex." - Jacqueline Pfeiffer, 3rd Grade
Teacher for National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Recommends
"Explore the wonders of earth science through 52 activities. A
technical writer and longtime rock hound invites young readers to
learn about geology through hands-on projects, many of which
involve models that double as tasty treats. The introduction
includes a spread of labeled rock samples. Opening with a simple
activity to demonstrate crystal formation using supersaturated
sugar water, author Romaine goes on to explore rock
characteristics, molten rock (lava), sediments, metamorphosis,
entropy, our active planet, fossils, precious metals, space
rocks, and rocks in art. Each chapter begins with a spread of
explanation site a full-page photograph of the natural
phenomenon under discussion. Each lab includes a list of
materials, step-by-step instructions, some safety tips and
enrichment suggestions, and a boxed explanation of "the science
behind the fun." Each is illustrated with photos of the activity
in progress, often including young experimenters (a diverse group
of boys and girls) clearly enjoying their experience. The
materials called for are simple and easily available. The time
involved ranges from a few minutes to several days. Specialized
vocabulary is defined in context. The author has spent many years
doing geology with kids; his projects have obvious child-appeal.
This well-thought-out collection includes many demonstrations
familiar to science educators as well as some engaging new ones
and would be a welcome addition to any library. Dig in for fun
and learning, too!" - Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
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Garret Romaine has been an avid rockhound, fossil collector,
meteorite hunter, and gold prospector for many years. He is a
long-time journalist, columnist, instructor, and writer, and
currently teaches at Portland State University. He holds a degree
in geology and a degree in geography, and is the author of many
books on rock & gem collecting and identification, gold panning,
geology, and the outdoors, including The Modern Rockhounding and
Prospecting Handbook and Geology Lab for Kids. Garret is a member
of the Board of Directors for the North America Research Group,
dedicated to amateur fossil collecting, and the Rice NW Museum of
Rocks and Minerals, which houses one of the finest mineral
collections in the US. He is also a member of numerous
rockhounding and gold prospecting organizations.