By Hermann Samano

When you’re teaching your kids about the big wide world, why not start in your own backyard? Give them a shovel and turn them loose on the path to learning first-hand about our planet’s rocks and minerals through your own backyard Geology.

Rocks and stones are solids naturally made from minerals. Becoming a rock-finder, or a rockhound as some call it is a cool way to spend time and learn about how rocks are formed.

When you introduce your kids to geological exploration, it’s quite possible that this up-close, hands-in-the-dirt, real-life learning can spark a lifelong interest in science and geology. They can hunt for and examine rocks and discover how and when those rocks or minerals formed on Earth. Kids – and adults – can uncover facts about their own local geology and then branch out to other cities, states, countries, and continents. Pretty much wherever you go you can find rocks.

We’ll show you easy-to-use tools and methods for finding and identifying different types of rocks and minerals. You don’t have to be an expert, and this may become a great hobby and bonding experience for your whole family.

Why is Backyard Geology the Perfect Hobby?

Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of your yard? Why not find out? Rockhounding is enjoyed worldwide by many. Now’s the perfect time to start a geology project in the comfort of your environment.

Hands-on learning tends to stick long after book chapter information is jettisoned from children’s memories, so rock-collecting is a wonderful introduction to Earth sciences. Kids can gain an appreciation for and expertise in useful scientific methods like observation, examination, note-taking, and online data research. This can even ignite conversations during road trips as your kids notice different types of rock formations alongside the road. Feel free to pull off the road to examine those rocks up close for an impromptu onsite experience.

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