Rock Collection
Step 1: Collect Your Rocks

collecting rocks

The first step to making a rock collection is finding your rocks. You’ll find rocks just about anywhere. If you want a good variety of rocks, be sure to look in many different places. Rocks can be very different depending on where they come from!

It’s also important to record information about each rock you find. This information helps tell the story of each rock.

There are just a couple things to remember:
1. Don’t go alone.
2. Make sure you always have an adult with you.



The Materials
  • Sandwich bags
  • Small shovel or spade
  • Permanent marker
  • Printout of My Rock Chart
  • Bucket, bag, or backpack to carry your rocks
  • Deep bowl, pot, or bucket to clean your rocks
  • Soap or dishwashing liquid to clean your rocks
  • Old rag or paper towels
    		• The Materials


    What To Do
    1

    Look for at least 10 rocks in different places, like a playground, park, beach, or along a lake or river. Avoid collecting from places like gravel pits or gravel dunes. Choose rocks that are easy to carry, but not too small. Try to select rocks that are at least as big as your fist.
    2

    If part of a rock is buried, use your shovel to dig it out.
    3

    Put each rock in a separate sandwich bag. Use your marker to write the rock number (starting with 1) and the date on the bag.

    		Put each rock in a separate sandwich bag. Use your marker to write the rock number (starting with 1) and the date on the bag.
    4

    Write the rock number and date on your Rock Chart. In the next column, write the place where you found the rock. For example, was it at a park? Under a tree? By the road? Was it with other rocks? Write down any additional information in the Notes column.
    5

    Place the rock sample in your bucket, bag, or backpack.
    6

    When you get home, clean your rocks. Put warm water and soap in a bucket and rinse off each rock, one by one. Wipe the rock with a rag or paper towel to dry it completely. Then place it back in its bag.

    		When you get home, clean your rocks. Put warm water and soap in a bucket and rinse off each rock, one by one. Wipe the rock with a rag or paper towel to dry it completely. Then place it back in its bag.