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.

Geology of the Grand Canyon: Interpreting its rock layers and formation part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this culminating activity, students will be assessed on what they have learned during the Geology unit of their Earth Science class. After conducting classroom and field studies on geology students will utilize this knowledge to interpret the rock layers and formation of the Grand Canyon. Outside of class students will read/review a website and complete a study guide to be reviewed by the teacher to assess students' learning. Following teacher review of study guides, the next class period(s) will be a discussion and questioning session(s) on the formation of the Grand Canyon.

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

The Effect of Acid Rain on Seed Growth part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is an in class lab where students will compare different acid solutions on seed germination and growth.

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.

The Rock Cycle: A hands on Simulation part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a hands-on simulation of the rock cycle.

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.

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.