After-School Programs

Curriculum

Program Overview:

A hands-on program in which students conduct classroom-based excavations of real minerals and crystals they get to take home, learn basic geology concepts, and complete the semester with a personal mineral collection.

Learning Objective:

Build interest in geology, specifically crystals and minerals
Aquire a crystal/mineral collection by the end of the semester
Observation and identification skills
Improve fine motor skills (excavation activity)
Learning through hands-on discovery
Improve hand-eye coordination
Learn safe handling of tools and materials
Encourage curiosity about the natural world

Class Structure:

Each class, students excavate a crystal (mineral) using safe plastic tools from a compressed sand block and learn about the crystal and other geology facts.

Materials Provided:

All excavation materials & tools, genuine crystals & minerals, geology books, worksheets, and pencils.