Explore Geology
Theme
Geology
Specimens Included
Calcite, conglomerate, quartz, rocks and minerals sets (calcite, feldspar, granite, limestone, marble, mica, quartz, and sandstone), mineral test sets (fluorite, pyrite, talc, calcite, quartz), rock cycle specimen sets (sandstone, granite, gneiss, pumice, vesicular basalt, obsidian, rhyolite).
Activities Included
“Rocks and Minerals”: Students will learn the differences between rocks and minerals by investigating and comparing different rocks and minerals.
“Mighty Minerals”: Students will discover the different properties of minerals through observation and by performing tests in order to identify the minerals included.
“The Rock Cycle”: Students will understand the different parts of the rock cycle by creating their own sedimentary rocks, performing an experiment to learn about igneous rocks and creating a model of a metamorphic rock.
Digging in the Past
Theme
Archaeology
Artifacts Included
Tibia digging tip, biface, Washita arrow point, Fresno arrow point, corn cob, Folsom point, pipe, flakes, Creek potsherds, bison tooth, Clovis point and bone hook
Activities Included
“Stratigraphy”: Students will excavate artifacts and collect data from different time periods in Oklahoma’s past, then explore how the location of an artifact in the earth can help archaeologists understand if it was older or younger than other artifacts.
“Pottery Reconstruction”: Students will reconstruct a broken ceramic pot and collect data about its design and texture. After identifying the pottery type, students will identify the Oklahoma culture that created it.
“Trash Can Archaeology”: Students will discover what archaeologists can learn about people in the past by studying their trash. Through studying the contents of modern trash cans, students will become detectives as they try to reconstruct the timeline of the people using the trashcan, the importance of the objects and what trash can tell us about our daily lives.
Out of This World
Theme
Astronomy
Specimens Included
None. This kit pairs well with our “Discovery on the Road” traveling exhibit cases which contain specimens.
Activities Included
“Seasons”: Students will learn what causes seasons on Earth by creating a model together as a class and then making observations.
“Constellations”: Students will learn about constellations present in the Northern Hemisphere by creating a model together and making observations. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the cultural significance of constellations and attempt to make their own novel constellations.
“Lunar Phases”: Students will work together in groups to create and observe models of lunar phases.
