Investigating the Rock Cycle Through Writing and Illustrating part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a quantative writing activity where students will use writing and illustrations to show their knowledge of the basic rock cycle.

Rock Cycle Skit part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a skit, commercial or song/rap about the rock cycle

Exploration of Shadows in the Earth, Moon, and Sun System: Moon Phases and Eclipses part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This guided inquiry activity has students using models to create variations of alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. By varying their arrangement, students will discover how the positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun interact, how shadows can be cast on the Moon and on the Earth, and how Earth's view of the lit portion of the Moon changes.

Investigating Soil Composition - Soil Soaks Up Water part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom quick lab where students explore sand, soil, and water in relation to absorption and permeability.

Observing,Comparing and Classifying Rocks part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activitiy is a lab experience where students observe, compare and classify rocks. Close examination of a variety of rocks reveals their differences and can also spark questions regarding their origins.

Creating understanding how metamorphic rock is formed part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity gives a visual representation of how we are able to see the different layers of metamorphic rocks.

Radioactive Dating: Looking at Half-Lives Using M&Ms part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This is an activity that students will use M&Ms to gain a better understanding of radioactive dating and half-lives.

Observational Skills: Observing and creating sketches of an outdoor environment part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this series of activities, students observe and sketch the environment outside their school using their senses. Students create a classroom book using one of their sketches.

Growing & Observing Crystals part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity requires students to design an experiment to determine the best conditions for growing crystals. Students then are asked to conclude what the ideal conditions may be, how this information is useful, and who may want to know it. It is a great way to continue using scientific process skills within a Geology unit.

The Incredible Journey- A Walk Through the Water Cycle part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom investigation where students predict, explore and evaluate what happens to water as it travels through the water cycle.