This is a recording of a recent live teleclass I did with thousands of kids from all over the world. I've included it here so you can participate and learn, too! Learn about the world of rocks, crystals, gems, fossils, and minerals by moving beyond just looking at pretty stones and really being able to identify, test, and classify samples and specimens you come across using techniques that real field experts use. While most people might think of a rock as being fun to climb or toss into a pond, you will now be able to see the special meaning behind the naturally occurring material that is made out of minerals by understanding how the minerals are joined together, what their crystalline structure is like, and much more.
Materials:
- Geology Field Trip in a Bag
- Worksheet printout
- Unglazed porcelain tile (or the bottom of a coffee mug)
- Paper plate or disposable pie pan
- Microscope slide
- Magnifying glass
- Cup of water
- Steel nail
- Double-sided tape
- Magnet
If you use a pot that hasn’t been used in other experiments, a clean glass and new sticks, then yes, it is okay to eat the rock candy. But check with a parent first.
That was my first lesson on here and I love it! I have a whole collection of Rocks, Minerals, Crystals & Gemstones. I’m also wondering if you can eat the sugar crystal? Can’t wait for my next lesson!
Hi Maudie, yep it can take up to six months for big sugar crystals to grow. But you should see some crystal growth within a few days.
If you use a pot that hasn’t been used in other experiments, a clean glass and new sticks, then yes, it is okay to eat the rock candy. But check with a parent first.
Rocks that make flashes (triboelectric) are available in the “Geology Field Trip in a Bag” listed in the materials list. Some of the rocks are listed at about 27 minutes into the video.
Wood sticks are best when making sugar crystals because they absorb the sugar liquid, which helps the crystals grow.
Hi.Its Maudie again.
I forgot to ask if you could use plastic cake pop sticks for the rock candy.I can use wood if needed but I only have plastic.Love Maudie.
Hi.Im Maudie and i would like to know how long it takes to grow rock candy.The video said 6 months but I
didn’t know if it was a joke or not because that is a long time and are they actually edible?
Can you please tell me where I can get the rocks that make flashes of light and magnets.
I have always loved science and you are a great teacher.
Love your student Maudie.
No, regular laundry soap won’t do the trick. We need Borax because it contains sodium tetraborate.
Can I use any type of launder soap
It should clear up in 20-30 minutes without stirring. If it’s cloudy from tiny air bubbles in your water line, those clear up by themselves quickly. If you’ve added too much sugar, then it will all fall to the bottom and then turn clear (if that’s the case, add a bit more water, stir and let sit again).
In the sugar crystal experiment, with the 8 to 3 ratio our solution is steaming but is cloudy, not clear. Does this mean it needs heated more? Or more water? We’ve been stirring it for at least 20 min.
I know, isn’t refraction fun??
Your face at 32:05…
this is really cool
It should be directly linked to the online product from Home Training Tools: https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/geology-field-trip-in-a-bag/
Hello, my daughter would like to start with this geology class (it will be our first one. What is the “geology field trip in a bag” listed in the materials list?
In the material list, find the link that says “Worksheet printout” above the video.
how do I find the work sheet
That is a good one!