[Rockhounds] Geology demonstrations for preschools

[Kitty & Bill Heacox]

Hi Brett and others who do demos for kids,

Especially with the younger ones it's a good idea to include as much in 
the way of simple but vivid demonstrations.  A good one for the 
anticipated question about why fluorescent minerals glow in pretty 
colors (which sometimes comes from a teacher), is to hold up a sponge or 
Nerf ball and toss it against a glass cabinet or window.  Nothing 
happens.  Then pick up a rock (preferably about the same size as the 
sponge) and make a throwing gesture at the glass (sometimes the little 
ones will squeal or jump).  "What would happen if I had thrown it?  It 
would break.  So the glass acts differently when different things hit 
it.  That's sort of like the glowing rocks:  they look different 
depending on what kind of light is shown on them." 

Some other things that work: 

Have some paper and draw or write on it with a piece of graphite (if you 
can get several pieces, each kid can scribble).

Draw on a blackboard or a black sheet of construction or craft paper 
with a chunk of chalk.

Lift a paper clip with a piece of lodestone.

Hold up a sheet of mica so they can see through it.

Pass around a nodule of copper along with a copper penny.

Compare a real shell, fern, or leaf with a fossil one.

And finally, contact me off-list of you'd like me to send you some 
pieces of lava;  I can provide some that looks like chocolate cake 
icing, like sea-sponge, pahoehoe that has the flowing look of having 
been liquid, and (especially popular with the little ones) some that 
looks like dog doo.

Aloha, Kitty


Brett Whitenack wrote:
> I work in a small museum and every year we have what we call the Preschool Jamboree. We invite all of the preschools in town to bring their students in and give a short presentation on some topic that coincides with a feature exhibit in the museum.
>  
> This year we are featuring Wonders of the Earth. I want to do some short demonstrations that deal with earth science but are geared towards 3-4 year olds. I have some fluorescent minerals to show, pumice-the rock that floats, and we will break a small geode to give to the class. 
>  
> Do the members of the list have any other suggestions as to any demonstrations that I could use? Also, is there anyone out there who would have a cheap source for small (1 1/2 - 2 inch diameter) geodes? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
>  
> While I have your attention I want to say what a great list this is. I have learned much and enjoy reading all the topics the list members present with each post.
>  
> Thank you
>  
> Brett W.
>
> Brett Whitenack
> Curator
> McPherson Museum
> 1130 East Euclid
> McPherson, KS 67460
> 620-241-8464
> http://www.mcphersonmuseum.com
>
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