In preparation for the trip, knowing that in the past we have found LOTS of fossils, I picked up guide books on rocks & minerals and fossils.
I also picked up this book, which was listed in the R.E.A.L Science Odyssey Earth and Space (level one).
We also put together a rock and mineral testing kit. We included:
- a glass plate
- a piece of ceramic tile
- a copper penny
- a nail
- very diluted hydrochloric acid
- vinegar
- lemon juice
- rubber gloves
- goggles
- a magnet
- magnifying glasses
We tried out the kit before we took it camping, with rocks in our backyard and some we had collected in other locations. The girls were really excited to try out the tools. Probably the most exciting part was the acid fizz test. We were not able to get either the vinegar or the lemon juice to produce a reaction, so I think we are just going to stick with the hydrochloric acid.
I was initially concerned about the use of hydrochloric acid. However, I was sure to dilute it well, and make everyone wear gloves. It has seemed to work out well for us.
Anyway, we were able to find some really nice fossils while camping. They were mostly crinoids and brachiopods. Unfortunately I did not get any really good pictures of fossils. We also learned about chert and mozarkite. I did get picture of Madeline searching for fossils and interesting rocks.
Beyond rocks and fossils, there was campfire building, cooking, campfire sing-a-longs, looking for tracks, friendship bracelet making, rock skipping, boat making from driftwood, and just a general good time. It was really nice to have other kids for them to explore with, and lots of adults to accommodate everyone's interests.
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| animal tracks |
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| Trying to start a fire with chert and char cloth |
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| Playing the lap harp during the campfire song-a-long |
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| Playing with the driftwood in the lake |
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| A general good time! |
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