COURSES
Mr. Dan Rocks offers three pre-designed courses covering earth science and geology concepts. One is about Rocks/Minerals, another Fossils, and the third focuses on Quartz. These can and have been modified many times to accommodate different needs and age groups. For over ten years, Mr. Dan the Rock Man has presented to pre-school, elementary and middle school students, to multi-age and single-grade groups in classrooms, public libraries and to scouts. The first two courses were developed to meet the Georgia Performance Standards and Gwinnett County AKS for 3rd Grade, and Scout Merit Badge requirements. Beyond the AKS standards, additional concepts are included that will fascinate and impress your students, leaving them excited learning about rocks and science!
Rocks, Minerals, Crystals and Glass: Exploring Similarities and Differences
This course covers many geology and earth science concepts such as the rock cycle, igneous/metamorphic/sedimentary, the Moh’s scale, luster, color and streak. We’ll explore and compare the similarities and differences between rocks, minerals, crystals, and both natural and man-made glass using a wide variety of interesting samples, many unlike anything your students have seen before. Students will also get to examine fascinating optical characteristics of minerals and crystals, including fluorescence, refraction, birefringence, and chatoyance (very cool to see in person).
A ton of learning in a short period of time. The presentation starts with about 15 minutes of interactive discussion and lecture, followed by about 45-60 minutes of hands-on exploration. The ideal session length is between 1 hour to 1.25 hours. Longer sessions allow students more hands-on exploration time, and greatly enhances their experience. Students will leave amazed and excited about rocks, minerals and crystals!
Target audience is 3rd grade, complementing Earth Science curriculum, but can be modified and has been presented many times to other age groups.
Fossils: Reach Back in Time and Touch the Prehistoric World
So much fun it is going to a museum to see ancient fossils! Greater fun is to be able to pick up, touch and examine them! Mr. Dan Rocks your students with a wide array of plant and animal fossils – all genuine! Fossils tell us amazing stories about their world, if you know how to decipher the details. We’ll explore this together. Basic fossil terminology and concepts are covered. Included: how fossils are formed; how we find them; the role erosion and weathering plays; body and trace fossils; molds and casts; true form, replacement, and carbonization. You’ll see examples of sea life and land fossils, plant fossils like ferns and petrified wood, dinosaur bone and footprints, mosasaur and megalodon teeth, and amber just to name a few.
An amazing amount of material is covered in a short period of time. Starting with about 15 minutes of interactive discussion and lecture, followed by about 45-60 minutes of hands-on exploration. Ideal session length is between 1 hour to 1.25 hours. Longer sessions allow students more hands-on exploration time, and greatly enhances their experience. This class will leave a memorable impression on your students about fossils and ancient prehistoric life!
Target audience is 3rd grade, complementing Earth Science curriculum, but can easily be and has been modified to other ages and grades.
Quartz: Crystals, Geodes, Jaspers and Agates!
Quartz is the 2nd most common mineral on Earth’s crust. Experience a hands-on presentation that includes cool quartz crystals, geodes, and very colorful microcrystalline quartz (tiny microscopic quartz crystals) known as jaspers and agates. Check out some truly awesome and amazing rocks – all quartz – some from far, far away, others from right here in our own backyard. Learn a rockhound’s “color magic” trick too!
This class starts with a very short interactive lecture and discussion session, followed by about 30 minutes of hands-on exploration.
Target audience is Elementary School age students. The 30 to 60 minute estimated class time can easily be adjusted to fit your time constraints.