{"product_id":"smithsonian-rock-and-gem-dig","title":"Geology \u0026 Earth Science Exploration Kit – Rock, Mineral, and Gem Excavation with Identification (STEM Learning Set)","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"644\" data-start=\"343\"\u003eThis hands-on \u003cstrong data-end=\"390\" data-start=\"357\"\u003eearth science exploration kit\u003c\/strong\u003e introduces students to key concepts in \u003cstrong data-end=\"488\" data-start=\"430\"\u003egeology, mineral identification, and natural processes\u003c\/strong\u003e through interactive activities. Learners excavate real specimens, analyze their properties, and explore how rocks and minerals form within Earth’s systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1002\" data-start=\"646\"\u003eStudents begin by carefully chiseling into a sand block to uncover \u003cstrong data-end=\"747\" data-start=\"713\"\u003erocks, minerals, and gemstones\u003c\/strong\u003e, practicing techniques similar to those used in geological fieldwork. After excavation, they use observation tools to examine each specimen and learn how to identify materials based on properties such as \u003cstrong data-end=\"1001\" data-start=\"952\"\u003ecolor, hardness, streak, luster, and cleavage\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1266\" data-start=\"1004\"\u003eThe included learning materials guide students through the differences between rocks and minerals and explain how each forms over time. A magnifying tool supports close observation, helping learners develop \u003cstrong data-end=\"1265\" data-start=\"1211\"\u003escientific investigation and classification skills\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1544\" data-start=\"1268\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1549\" data-start=\"1546\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1583\" data-start=\"1551\" data-section-id=\"scwyji\"\u003eEducational Concepts Covered\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1827\" data-start=\"1584\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1616\" data-start=\"1584\" data-section-id=\"e7ot2l\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1616\" data-start=\"1586\"\u003eRock and mineral formation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1667\" data-start=\"1617\" data-section-id=\"n4ol2p\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1667\" data-start=\"1619\"\u003eGeological classification and identification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1742\" data-start=\"1668\" data-section-id=\"1vqi7s2\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1742\" data-start=\"1670\"\u003ePhysical properties of minerals (hardness, streak, luster, cleavage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1784\" data-start=\"1743\" data-section-id=\"1958b8w\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1784\" data-start=\"1745\"\u003eScientific observation and analysis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1832\" data-start=\"1829\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1858\" data-start=\"1834\" data-section-id=\"134zo3p\"\u003eEducational Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2133\" data-start=\"1859\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1910\" data-start=\"1859\" data-section-id=\"10t628c\"\u003eSupports \u003cstrong data-end=\"1910\" data-start=\"1870\"\u003eearth science and geology curriculum\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1960\" data-start=\"1911\" data-section-id=\"1115pz5\"\u003eEncourages \u003cstrong data-end=\"1960\" data-start=\"1924\"\u003ehands-on, inquiry-based learning\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2013\" data-start=\"1961\" data-section-id=\"be9ihz\"\u003eDevelops \u003cstrong data-end=\"2013\" data-start=\"1972\"\u003eobservation and classification skills\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2071\" data-start=\"2014\" data-section-id=\"mwgxxu\"\u003ePromotes \u003cstrong data-end=\"2071\" data-start=\"2025\"\u003ecritical thinking and scientific reasoning\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2133\" data-start=\"2072\" data-section-id=\"12ge0f6\"\u003eReinforces \u003cstrong data-end=\"2133\" data-start=\"2085\"\u003eSTEM learning through real-world exploration\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2138\" data-start=\"2135\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2160\" data-start=\"2140\" data-section-id=\"bfe9be\"\u003eProduct Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2510\" data-start=\"2161\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2229\" data-start=\"2161\" data-section-id=\"h8lnbd\"\u003eExcavation activity revealing \u003cstrong data-end=\"2227\" data-start=\"2193\"\u003erocks, minerals, and gemstones\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2282\" data-start=\"2230\" data-section-id=\"196ba0o\"\u003eIncludes tools for digging and specimen recovery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2327\" data-start=\"2283\" data-section-id=\"m9p20a\"\u003eMagnifying tool for detailed observation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2400\" data-start=\"2328\" data-section-id=\"6asypi\"\u003eEducational poster with geology concepts and identification guidance\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2510\" data-start=\"2465\" data-section-id=\"x632m7\"\u003eDesigned for repeated use and exploration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2515\" data-start=\"2512\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2538\" data-start=\"2517\" data-section-id=\"10yeocw\"\u003eRecommended Age\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2559\" data-start=\"2539\"\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong data-end=\"2559\" data-start=\"2553\"\u003e8+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toysmith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48334628520185,"sku":"7394","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0779\/0015\/3081\/files\/eb0be1aad5e2412bc3f180f21159eb12d873bc2083c73ac0be81213def62cb0d.jpg?v=1777484146","url":"https:\/\/silverdeansupplies.com\/products\/smithsonian-rock-and-gem-dig","provider":"SilverDean Supplies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}