Rocks and Minerals in Your Classroom (1 hour)

Students will learn to identify common rocks found around their homes.  Hands-on examination of local specimens by small study groups will clue students into forces that shape the Earth.  Sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks will be covered and uses of rocks and minerals by people will be presented along with rock oddities.

Students will use the Nature Preserve’s rock collection, including minerals and ores found throughout the state, to become involved in a program that reflects the diverse geologic features of Connecticut.  Students will learn how minerals make up the three types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.  The formation of these types of rocks will be explained as examples are shown and passed around for closer observation.  Students will learn to locate on a map the areas within the state where each of the major rock types can be found.  Students will also learn the various ages of these rocks.  Students will color-code the map in order to visualize the distribution of rock types in Connecticut.  Small student study groups will be guided and engaged in hands-on examination of local specimens to observe each of the three types of rocks.  Students will learn about the forces that shape the Earth, including the movement of continents through continental drift and the resulting impacts.  Common uses of rocks and minerals by people are also presented along with interesting rock oddities.

 Rocks & Minerals Vocabulary