Geology Activities for Kids

Absolutely nothing is needed to start studying geology. If you live anywhere near nature, just go outside and start hunting for some rocks. Collections are great ways for kids to start learning how to sort and classify (important skills for all scientists). To make your collection more meaningful, stop at the library. My favorite educational book on rocks is A Rock is Lively. This book is gorgeous and has so much cool information. Another great book to read to your budding rock collector is Everybody Needs a Rock.

When I studied rocks with my kindergartner, I was surprised to discover how much there is to learn. There are different types of rocks depending on how the rock is formed. The rock cycle teaches all the different processes that rocks can undergo. My preschooler is specifically interested in gemstones. You can even “excavate” some rocks using a purchased kit (though be forewarned that it is MUCH harder to get the rocks out than the picture implies).

However, geology is not just about rocks. There is so much more to learn: volcanoes, plate tectonics, earthquakes, landslides, meteorites, fossils…the options are endless.

Here are the geology projects on this site so far: