Hands-On Geology

Rocks and minerals are the building blocks of our world, but there's a huge and fascinating variety of these materials, from the roundest gray pond rock to the most brilliant and sparkly diamond. Readers will learn about all manner of rocks and minerals, as well as their properties, types, and uses. Color photos and diagrams allow curious geologists in training to study rocks and minerals in detail, while hands-on activities and projects will encourage them think for themselves about important principles.

Dirt's not all that interesting-or is it? In truth, Earth's soil is one of the major reasons life on the planet can exist! In this book, readers will learn that there's far more to dirt and soil than the stuff you get on your sneakers or sweep off your front steps. Illustrations will show more about soil's origins and makeup, as well as the nutrients it provides for growing things. Projects and activities allow young geologists to put what they're learning into practice and get their hands dirty as they investigate the world beneath our feet.

Fossils are fascinating! These remnants of lifeforms from long ago tell us more about the planet, the environment, and the ancient plants and animals themselves. This title guides readers on a mission to learn more about fossils, how they form, what types there are, and more facts and details. Full-color illustrations showcase important principles, and hands-on activities with detailed instructions will get kids thinking like paleontologists, geologists, and other scientists.

The natural forces of our world are always at work on the planet we call home. Over millions of years, the forces of erosion have worked through wind, water, sand, and more to create the many features of Earth, from the worn-away banks of the smallest creek to the stunning landmark that is the Grand Canyon. This title will take readers on a journey through Earth's long history of erosion, using color illustrations and intriguing hands-on projects to show them just how interesting this geologic force really is.

It's easy to think of Earth as one big rock beneath our feet. The reality is far more interesting! In this volume, young geologists will learn more about the makeup of our planet and the massive sheets of rock that move over its surface. Illustrations, photos, and intriguing hands-on projects will help them understand how Earth's tectonic plates lead to features such as mountains and ocean trenches, as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

What's under your feet as you walk outside? There's more than just grass and dirt under there! Young readers will learn more about Earth's layers, from the rocky crust to the dense inner core, in this intriguing book. Color illustrations and photographs, as well as many hands-on activities and projects, provide additional context to ideas such as plate tectonics, early continents, and other topics related to the elementary science curriculum.