Rocks Resource Page
Rocks are mixtures of various types of mineral, naturally formed by molten rock, extreme pressure (or heat) within the Earth's surface, or through sediment deposits. Rocks help form part of the natural landscape and humans have long relied on rocks as a tool for hunting, defending, and building.
Rock Education
- American Field Guide: Classroom activities and other tips will help middle school educators explain rocks to their pupils.
- Dynamic Earth: From the Smithsonian National Museum of National History, take a look of the history of Earth through rocks.
- Learn NC: Take students in elementary school on a rock scavenger hunt in this fun lesson plan.
- Igneous Rocks: Apply this online lesson on igneous rock types then answer knowledge based questions.
- Metamorphic Rock Identification: Metamorphic textures and classification is reviewed here.
- Rocks-a-Million: Provided by Heard Elementary Academy, simple language and colorful pictures describe the rock cycle and different rock types.
- Rocks 101: Learn the basics and become familiar with the characteristics of rocks.
- Rock Cycle: Identify rock types, review the rock cycle, and learn how rocks change at this interactive Web site.
- Rock Cycle Activities: Activities teach about rock erosion and weathering through a concept map of the rock cycle.
- Rock & Minerals Detective: An online lesson plan useful for educators teaching children about rocks.
- Rocks and the Rock Cycle: Travel through stages of the rock cycle to see how rocks change over time.
- Rocks, Rocks, Rocks: Examine how rocks form and create a rock collection with this interactive guide created for first grade students.
- Rocks to Soil: Soil is formed from eroding rock. Explore the relationship between rocks and soil through this informative portal.
- Utah Education Network: Take a virtual tour of how rocks are formed and the characteristics of rocks at this site created by a second grade school teacher.
- Yosemite National Park: Information on how the plutonic rocks found in this national park were formed.
Rock Images & Pictures
- Alphabetical List of Igneous Rocks: Click on any igneous rock name or rock forming minerals to view pictures and descriptions.
- Igneous Rock Identification: Use this identification chart and images to identify various igneous rocks.
- Mineral Information Institute: View photographs of rocks and rock forming minerals.
- Neighborhood Rocks: Photos and information on the most commonly found rocks in the Midwestern United States.
- Rock Gallery: Brief descriptions and pictures of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Rock & Mineral Publications
- American Mineralogist: Technical journal publishing the latest scientific research on igneous and metamorphic petrology.
- European Journal of Mineralogy: A highly technical publication of value to professionals.
- Mineralogical Magazine: International journal of mineralogy and geochemistry.
- Paleontology Research Institute: Publications by this institute include Bulletins of American Paleontology. One of the oldest (and most respected) peer-reviewed paleontological scientific journals.
- Rocks & Minerals: Published since 1926, scientist and hobbyist will find valuable information on rock collecting, geology, and paleontology.
- The Canadian Mineralogist: Internationally renowned specialists in the field of mineral sciences edit this top-notch journal.
Earth Science Info
- Ask an Earth Scientist: Need an answer on a question related to volcanoes, rocks, and other Earth science topics? Review previously answered questions or submit a new question at this service from the University of Hawaii Department of Geology and Geophysics.
- Careers in the Geosciences: Career paths in Geosciences include volcanologist who study volcanoes.
- Earth Science Education: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration presents this look at important questions and focus areas in Earth science.
- Earth Science Week: This annual event is organized by the American Geological Institute to encourage exploration of Earth science topics.
- Exploring Earth: An online Earth science textbook with pictures and animations.
- Geology.com: Updated Earth science news, dictionary and geology for study.
- National Geographic: Explore the atmosphere, surfaces and landforms of the Earth through pictures and quizzes.
- Nature Geoscience: This monthly journal dissects and discusses the latest information related to all areas of Earth sciences.
- The Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules: This free gallery allows interactive review of various minerals and molecules.
- World Records in Earth Science: Find out about the tallest mountain, deepest cave, coldest spot, and other extremes.
Paleontology Related Sites
- Royal Tyrrell Museum: Science museum providing information on paleontological history.
- San Diego Natural History Museum: Frequently asked paleontology questions explain the relationship between fossils and rocks.
- The Paleontology Portal: A look at fossils throughout time periods.
- The Paleontological Society: Nonprofit devoted to the science of paleontology and open to researchers, students, and hobbyist.
- Paleontological Research Institution: Student and parent guide on what it takes to become a paleontologist.
Collecting Sites
- Collecting Rocks: Guidance on rock collection including equipment needed, housing a collection, and finding rocks.
- Get Ready to Rock: Basic rock collecting information useful for adults but geared towards children.
- Rock Hound Collection Safety: An amateur geologist guides those interested in gathering rock specimens.
- Rockhounding Arkansas: Get informed on the basics of rock hunting to build up an impressive rock collection.
- Rocks for Kids: Pick up essential facts about planning field trips to find rocks, joining clubs, and displaying a collection.