This kit includes sheets with basic information on each rock sample, including where it is found, how it is formed and its uses.

The rocks included in this kit are: Granite, Pumice, Scoria, Basalt, Obsidian, Sandstone, Limestone, Conglomerate, Shale, Gneiss, Marble, Schist, and Slate.

Activity:

After an introduction into the concept of the rock cycle and rock classification, students are asked to organize the various rock samples into their rock type (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) according to provided classification criteria. For a more difficult activity for older students, they can be asked to use the provided dichotomous key to further identify which rock (granite, pumice, etc.) a particular sample is.

This kit includes sheets with basic information on each sample, including what the fossil is, what information can be learned about prehistoric life, and how fossils form. The kit also includes a laminated geologic time scale.

The fossils included in this kit are: Trilobite, Ammonite, Orthoceras, Brachiopod, Sea urchin, Shark tooth, Oyster, Dinosaur bone, Coprolite, Petrified wood, Fossil fern, Fossil fish, and Amber.

Activity:

After an introduction into how fossils are formed and what they can tell us about past environments on Earth, students are able to create their own geologic time chart using rope and the provided time scale. Once the chart is created, students place selected fossils from the kit at the appropriate points on the scale. This activity provides an understanding of fossils and geologic time.