Click on the shelves in this virtual exhibition to learn about the many rocks and minerals that we use in our everyday lives.

Gain an understanding of the cycles that form metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks.

Study the properties of rocks.

Second graders will sort rocks according to hardness, texture, layering, and particle size.

Describe and sort rocks by their physical properties.

Presents photographs of examples of clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks, with short descriptions underneath each rock image. Each rock name is also linked to its own dedicated page with a great deal of additional information...

[Free Registration/Login Required] This PDF passage "If Rocks Could Talk!: Obsidian" from the American Museum of Natural History features an interview with an igneous rock named Obsidian. It is part of a paired text with "If Rocks Could...

Though rock candy seems to be a simple enough treat, it is also pretty interesting to make. Crystallized sugar that can be grown from a sugar-water solution is just how rock candy is made. In this experiment, you will learn to make your...

A nonfiction article where students read about Julie Codispoti, assistant curator at the United States Polar Rock Repository, located at Ohio State University's Byrd Polar Research Center. The article provides an overview of Antarctic...

Learn about the different types of igneous rocks and how they are classified.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Covers metamorphic rocks, which form from previous rocks exposed to heat and/or pressure.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes the features of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks that cool slowly and rapidly, respectively.

Use crayons to model the rock cycle in this fun activity! You will make colorful sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous "rocks" from crayon shavings.

Discusses research on balanced rock formations in California, which scientists believe can show information about severe earthquakes in the past, and whether certain areas are prone to them. [October 19, 2011]

Learn about the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Rocks cover the earth's surface, including what is below or near human-made structures. With rocks everywhere, breaking rocks can be hazardous and potentially disastrous to people. Students are introduced to three types of material...

Explains what protoliths, i.e., parent rocks, are and gives examples of protoliths and the metamorphic rocks they transform into. Each example is accompanied by photographs.

In this lesson plan, students will be given a brief overview of the rock cycle. Students will then focus on igneous rocks and how they are formed. This lesson plan was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science, GEMS...

Explore the different types of rocks on our Earth as you watch a one-hour video, accompanied by learning goals, details on sedimentary rocks, fossils, and supercontinents, and more.

A lab with good info on metamorphic rock definitions, factors, grades, types, and composition. These are lecture notes and overheads from a geology class, and useful for review.

This site explores the classification of igneous rocks. Content addresses classification based on color and texture, mineral composition, and chemical composition.

Prehistoric Native Americans produced most of the rock art found in Arkansas. 'Rock art' refers to images created on immovable natural rock surfaces where there are bedrock outcrops. This site presents a wealth of cultural and historical...

Read an article from the Rock Springs Independent railng against the return of the Chinese coal miners the day after the Rock Springs Massacre that resulted in the death of several Chinese laborers.

There are six common minerals most often found in rocks. They are quartz, feldspar, olivine, mica, pyroxene, and amphibole. This website provides photos and information on each, and discusses their importance when identifying rocks.