The Geology Lab

Minerals, Rocks, Fossils and Soils

Get hands-on and explore the physical world as a scientist. Become a geologist, a pedologist or a palaeontologist, but with no white coats or goggles required!

 

 “Interactive and perfectly paced. A good mix of learning tasks that engaged all learners.” — KS2 Teacher, West Sussex

 

What the Children Will Learn

The skeletal shadow of a fat-headed lizard-like creature can be seen on a flat rock.
Fossil of a Seymouria, a lizard-like amphibian that existed about 250 million years ago in parts of Europe and North America. Credit: Sanjay Acharya CC-BY-SA-4.0

Using practical experiments and scientific methods, the children will explore:

  • Minerals
  • Rocks – classification, formation, the rock cycle
  • Setting up and running a fair test
  • The geological timeline
  • The water cycle
  • Erosion & weathering processes
  • Fossils – how they occur
  • Soils – comparison & composition
  • Microscope examination
  • Materials & their properties
  • How minerals & rocks relate to our everyday lives

They will be challenged to devise and build their own schemes to protect our environment.

(View our risk assessment of the day’s activities in a new tab.)

 

ROCK ON! LEARN ABOUT THE STONE AGE TO THE IRON AGE IN OUR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

 

How You Contribute to the Day

To make the most of your children’s day, please help us with the following:

  • Adult helpers: The number of children participating determines how many work stations our Teacher brings. Please recruit a corresponding number of adults (teachers, TAs, parents) to oversee the activities . (Your booking form lists the exact number needed.)
  • The school hall: Please reserve the school hall for the full day (it is not a problem if it is used for lunch).

Please note that we still require adult helpers for in-school days. If this conflicts with your schools coronavirus policies, please let us know.

SEE OUR DAYS IN ACTION — VIEW OUR TWITTER FEED