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S.T.E.M. Class

Rock Detectives

Grades: 1-3*
5/5

Let's dig deep and unearth the mysteries of geology!

Embark on a geological adventure! Explore rocks, minerals, and fossils in a fun, hands-on way. Create edible rocks, grow dazzling crystals, and make mini volcanos. Dive into the world of spelunking and start a rock collection to show off. Curious young minds will love this playful, interactive class!

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Why was the rock so bad at making friends? Because he took everyone for granite!

Description

Welcome young geology enthusiasts! Get ready to dig deep into the exciting world of rocks and minerals!

In this class, we’ll get to do some seriously cool stuff. We’ll make edible rocks (yes, you read that right!) and munch on them while learning about the three rock types. We’ll also get to grow our own crystals and gaze in awe at their mesmerizing beauty.

But that’s not all! We’ll put on our detective hats and investigate fossils to uncover the secrets of the past. We’ll also explore the rock cycle by making our own mini volcanos that will blow your mind (figuratively speaking, of course).

For those of you feeling brave, we’ll even go “spelunking” to see what treasures lie beneath the Earth’s surface and PAN FOR GOLD! And if you’re really into collecting things (who isn’t?), we’ll create our own rock collections to take home and show off to your friends and family.

This class is all about hands-on learning and having a blast while doing it. So, get your magnifying glasses and let’s dig in (pun intended)!

**This class can be messy. Dress appropriately!

If your kid loves to explore and get their hands dirty, this geology class is the perfect fit for them! Whether they’re the adventurous type who’s always looking for the next big thrill or the creative type who loves to build and make things, they’ll have a blast in this class. It’s great for curious minds who are always asking “why?” and “how?” and love to learn by doing. If your child has a love for rocks, fossils, and crystals, they’ll fit right in with our group of young geology enthusiasts. So, come join us and let’s rock this summer!

  • crystals
  • core samples
  • volcanos
  • pet rocks
  • MORE!
  • The three types of rock and how they’re formed
  • The process of crystal growth and how to grow their own crystals
  • The rock cycle and how rocks change over time
  • The basics of volcanoes and how they’re formed
  • How to explore caves and underground spaces
  • How fossils are formed and how to identify different types of fossils
  • How to do core sampling and understand what it tells us about the Earth’s layers
  • How to create their own rock collections and organize them by type

Throughout the class, kids will also develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their creativity and imagination. They’ll get hands-on experience with a variety of materials and tools, and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Earth.

Our Little Nerd classes for grades 1-3, are engaging and exciting and vary greatly in content and structure, but in some form there is always direct instruction from the teacher, guided practice, and independent or small group work with help and support from peers and staff. We usually begin the day with a team building activity and move into our first lesson. Next is a hands-on activity or project. Halfway through the class, kids will take a brief recess and snack break. A second lesson follows break and the kids will do another project/activity or continue one they were working on. Bottom line: It’s hands-on, interactive, fun learning.

SUMMER & BREAK CLASSES ONLY: Class is 3hrs each day, so bring a snack for break time. Also, bring your own refillable water bottle. Don’t have one? Add our Nerding water bottle to your order and pick up on first day of class!

Gallery

Your nerd will build and discover like these nerds have.

Geologists study more than just rocks and minerals. They also study things like earthquakes, landslides, and even the effects of climate change on the Earth's surface.
Nerdy Fun Fact
Nerdy Fun Fact1 of 3
Did you know that the largest volcano in our solar system isn't on Earth? It's actually on Mars! Olympus Mons is three times taller than Mount Everest and has a diameter of 370 miles - that's as big as the entire state of Arizona!
Nerdy Fun Fact
Nerdy Fun Fact2 of 3
The Grand Canyon, one of the most famous natural wonders of the world, was formed over millions of years by the Colorado River eroding the rock and sediment layers. It's over 270 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep at its lowest point!
Nerdy Fun Fact
Nerdy Fun Fact3 of 3

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2024 was a great summer of classes! See you Summer 2025. Registration will open Saturday 10am, March 8, 2025.

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