We have never studied rocks and minerals before, so this is a first for all of them.  I'm not sure who's enjoying the unit more.

The kids have thoroughly enjoyed so many hands on rock and minerals activities as part of our unit.

These rock and minerals are perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students. 

Don't forget to grab your free rock and minerals printables!

Rocks and Minerals Unit with Free Printables

Birthstone Syllables & Match Up

As I mentioned earlier, the kiddos have never been introduced to rocks and minerals of any kind, except for in backyard play.  

I thought it would be fun to learn about birthstones, counting syllables as we go, in order to learn how to pronounce the words.  

The markers are "birthstones" to be matched up with the correct card.  

This has been a favorite activity. It's also helping the kiddos remember how to identify the months of  the year. They're so excited to learn about everyone's birthstones.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Language Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Mineral Search & Find Match Up

Inside the bowl is play dough filled with several different minerals to match the mineral cards.  

The kiddos search through the play dough, finding minerals, and matching them up to the proper cards.  I found our minerals at the craft store in the jewelry and bead section.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Language Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Slate & Chalk Spelling Activity

My kiddos were so excited to see chalk on the shelves this week.  I am not a fan of chalkboards at all.  But since it fit so well with this unit, I decided to go for it.  

The piece of slate was found underneath my back porch, as I was cleaning this past weekend.  For those who don't have slate on hand, you might want to try a hardware or home improvement store.  

The kiddos will practice writing their spelling words using the slate and chalk provided.

Caution: Slate is heavy and sharp.  This activity should always be done while being supervised by an adult.  We have a rule that the kiddos can not take the slate out of it's tray.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Language Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Odd & Even Jewel Count

The kiddos will decide if the numbers are odd or even, using jewels as counters if necessary.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Rock Subtraction

The kiddos will solve the subtraction problems on the cards, using rocks as counters, and clear glass beads as markers.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Shopping for Jewelry

 

The kiddos will match jewel & coin cards with money amount cards, using the counting cards when needed.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Jewel Multiplication

The kiddos will solve the multiplication problems on the cards using the jewels as counters, and glass beads as markers.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Rock Classification

The kiddos will match up Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rock cards with their label cards. 

I've written I, S, or M on the back of each of the cards in case the kiddos need them. 

I was so impressed that Dinomite answered all but one right his first try, after I explained what each type of rock looked like and how it formed.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Mineral Excavation

I found these fabulous excavation kits at our local craft store on sale last week.  The kiddos love kits like this.  They've been a fabulous way to work on fine motor skills, hand strength, mineral identification and so much more.  All of the kiddos are doing a fabulous job!

Rock Formation Continent Match Up

It's important to learn the names of different types of rocks and minerals, but I wanted to do more than just that in this unit.  

As I was researching and preparing materials, I couldn't stop thinking about the Earth and it's beauty.  There are so many amazing natural treasures hidden within it, and on it's surface.  

In this activity I've selected naturally occurring rock formations that the kiddos will match up with continents.  The kiddos really enjoyed this activity!

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Science & Culture Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Man Made Rock & Mineral Creations Around the World

Rocks and minerals are great by themselves, but they can be shaped and/or used to build magnificent creations.  

In this activity the kiddos will match the cards up with the creations.  

There are a couple creations that only parts are made from rock and/or minerals.  This activity was very eye opening for the kiddos.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Rocks & Minerals Science & Culture Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Zen Garden

The kiddos will make their own Zen Gardens. I have sample cards for them to see what they are, if needed.  I can't wait to see how they do!

Rocks & Minerals Sensory Bin

The kiddos will enjoy playing in this sensory bin. I haven't decided if I want to add water to it or not. We'll see.  Bulldozer has already spotted this and fallen in love.

Jewel Sensory Bin

This is the girl's version of a rock sensory bin for the week.  Princess was not at all excited to study rocks and minerals. 

I was able to take the opportunity to teach her that rocks and minerals were not just things we found on the ground outside, but materials used to make jewelry, one of her very favorite things.  

With this new information, she went through her dress up bin, picking out as many jewels as she could find to add to the bin.  The boys will enjoy this bin as well.

If you're looking for some other fabulous ideas for your Rocks & Minerals Unit, I highly recommend checking out these posts. 

1.  Painting with Rocks at Fantastic Fun and Learning
2.  Edible Rock Cycle for Kids at Lemon Lime Adventures.  

I hope you have a fabulous day!

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