Age range
8+ | 2nd Grade+
Learn about the properties of different rocks and minerals in this STEM Kit containing more than 80 specimens from around the world. Examine rocks and minerals at up to 250x magnification using a USB 2.0 digital microscope and observe some minerals changing color under a blacklight.
*Two kits available
Contents
- 3 Books
- DK Smithsonian: The Rock and Gem Book: And Other Treasures of the Natural World by Dan Green
- DK Smithsonian: Rocks and Minerals: The World in Your Hands by Ronald Louis Bonewitz
- Le's Go Rock Collecting by Roma Gans and Holly Keller
- Rocks & Minerals Earth Science Collection
- The Earth Science rock collection of 75 number-coded, unmounted specimens is a valuable tool for demonstrating physical properties, major rock-forming minerals, and more.
- 75 Specimens, 3/4"-1" in size
- Compartmented Storage Box
- 9 of the 10 Hardness Levels from the Mohs Scale (all but diamond)
- Streak Plate
- Magnet
- Magnifier
- Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones: An Introductory Study Guide by James S. Kernaghan
- 16 pages of basic rock identification information and charts explaining the rock cycles and the classification of the three rock types
- NOTE: This rock kit contains galena, a source of lead. Skin contact with galena is not dangerous; however, to avoid potential digestion, always wash hands after handling.
- Fluorescent Mineral Kit
- Learn about fluorescence the fun way- by viewing glow-in-the-dark rocks! This kits comes with six 1.5"-2" mineral specimens that fluoresce under the black light (longwave UV) flashlight that's included.
- Boxed Set of Mineral Specimens
- Aragonite
- Hackmanite
- Calcite
- Fluorite
- Resinous Coal
- Scapolite (Wernerite)
- 6" Black Light
- The Story of Fluorescence by Harry C. Wain Booklet
- Instructions
- NOTE: UV light is the part of sunlight that causes sunburns. Never look directly at UV bulbs and wear UV filtering goggles if using for extended periods.
- Tektite Stone Sample
- A tektite is a small, naturally glossy rock that is made from a meteorite impact. More specifically, tektites are made of black, gray, brown, or green (e.g. moldavite is a green tektite) natural glasses. They are melted during meteorite impacts and essentially splashed into Earth's upper atmosphere, where they then harden, cool, and fall to the Earth's surface. Tektites are only found in certain areas around the world. They can be found in what are called strewn fields, simply defined as regions on Earth's surface within which tektites of similar origin or age are found.
- Geode Samples
- Different types of geodes form when mineral deposits build up inside volcanic or sedimentary rock "bubbles." Although they look like ordinary igneous or sedimentary rocks, geodes are often full of a variety of crystals.
- USB 2.0 Digital Microscope (requires a computer with software installed)
- 2.0 Megapixels, up to 250x magnification (Final magnification corresponds to monitor size)
- Uses a webcam chipset and sensor to support nearly any operating system and standard webcam software
- Build-in LED halo light with brightness adjustment control
- Flexible arm stand with observation pad includes graduated marks for easy measurement
- Capacitive touch button to initiate image capture
- Image, video, and time-lapse capture initiated from within the downloadable companion software
- Software and Setup Instructions
- Rock and Mineral Game Set by National Geographic
- Learn while you play! This game set has rock bingo, mineral memory, two types of gem-tac-toe, and a full deck of rock and mineral playing cards.
- 25 Rock Specimens
- 6 Double-sided Game Boards
- 1 Deck of Playing Cards (52 cards)
- 1 Bag of Assorted Gemstone Pebbles
- Game Instructions
This STEM Kit was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.