Rocks - A Family STEAM & Stories Event

This program was intended to introduce STEAM concepts through stories and exploration activity stations to families with children ages 3-8 years old.    

Intro song:  Hello Friends (sign language action song for the words hello, friends, math, fun, and time)

Hello friends,
Hello friends,
Hello friends,
It's time to say hello.

Hello science,
Hello science,
Hello science,
It's time to have some fun.   

 

Demonstration and Storytime:

 

·       Read the book I’m Trying to Love Rocks by Bethany Barton
Optional book – Rocks and Minerals (Hello World series) by Jill McDonald (board book)

·         Show the word card for rocks.  Talk about rocks in our lives.  Make a list on the white board.    

·         Talk about how there are three types of rocks in our world: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. 

·         Show the word card for igneous rocks as well as photos.  Give the definition (which I found online). 

·         Show the word card for sedimentary rocks as well as photos.  Give the definition (which I found online). 

·         Show the word card for metamorphic rocks as well as photos.  Give the definition (which I found online). 

·         Instruct on how to use the stations. 

 

Stations: 

Station #1- Sorting and classifying rocks

Children were given a large number of common rocks (mostly found in the yards of my coworkers).  They also had a scale to weigh the rocks as well as magnifying glasses. 

Station #2 – Pet rocks

Children were invited to decorate their own pet rocks.  They were given paint, permanent markers, jewel stickers, and eye stickers. 

 

Station #3 – Wooden stacking stones