Geology

Did you know the earth’s outer crust is always on the move and constantly changing? In fact, all of earth’s land was once connected as one giant landmass called pangea. As you see in the video below, the crust separated into several plates that fit together like puzzle pieces.

Can you piece together a map of the Earth’s current tectonic plates? The activity requires the use of Google Slides. Click below!

• Easy Version
• Harder Version

Want to learn even more about plate tectonics? Check out this page for kids from the American Museum of Natural History!

Get creative with these geology-themed crafts!

• Volcano Origami
• Salt Dough Fossils

Here is a list of our favorite geology focused experiments

• Grow Your Own Crystals & Geodes: Directions
• Edible Soil Layers Model: Directions , Video
• Testing Rocks: Directions
• Oreo Plate Tectonics: Directions , Video
• Core Sampling: Directions using candy , Directions using playdoh
• Make Your Own Volcano: Directions

Click here to access a recommended reading list of geology-themed stories from Brooklyn Public Library.

Print out this rock hunt and head to Brooklyn Bridge Park to search for these rocks and fossils. The best time area of the park to complete the hunt is in the Main Street area (near the Environmental Education Center!)

Our Reading Rocks field trip lesson plans feature activities that can easily fit into any classroom unit on rocks or geology. Designed for grades 2-4.

LESSON 1 (PRE-TRIP): Learn the difference between rocks and minerals and play a fun matching game to discover what minerals are in different rock types.

LESSON 2 (POST-TRIP): Go on an adventure through the rock cycle to learn how rocks can change over time and what causes those changes