Preschool is the natural age to ask questions and explore the world.

We kick off our Preschool STEAM e-course with our first Science challenge, collecting, observing and classifying rocks!

LESSON 1:

Thinking like a Scientist: Collect and observe rocks.

This activity is re-printed with permission from STEAM:Preschool Activities for STEM Enrichment

Rocking Rock Collection

Learning Objective

Observe and describe differences in rocks.

Materials Needed

Assortment of Rocks

Magnifying Glass

Science Journal

Pencil or Marker

Directions for Activity

1. The child will collect rocks on their daily adventures outdoors.  Tell him that a rock is a natural solid made up of one or more minerals.

2. Once a group of 5 or more rocks have been collected, encourage him to observe the shape, textures, weight and colors of each rock. Talk about what he sees.  Use language rich words such as shiny, dull, smooth, bumpy, round, flat, heavy, light, and hard.

3. Allow the child to organize his collection in any way he chooses.  Encourage him to then sort by certain attributes as described earlier. Find a place the home or classroom where this collection can be displayed.

4. After the collection has been sorted, choose one rock to draw in a science journal.  Label colors, divots, textures, or differences in the rock that makes it unique. Write one sentence to describe the attributes of that particular rock.  Preschool children may attempt to write these words on their own.  An adult may also write the words dictated by the child in grown-up writing on the paper.  This helps beginning writers make the connection between spoken words and written words.