Blobaum, Cindy. Michael Kline (Illustrator). Geology Rocks!: 50 Hands-On Activities to Explore the Earth (Kaleidoscope Kids) Williamson Publishing Company (October 1999)

Ages 9-12
ISBN-10: 1885593295

From School Library Journal
Geology's basics are explored in a lively fashion and are accompanied by a combination of familiar and not-so-familiar experiments and activities. Each chapter introduces a concept such as "the first rock group-Igneous 'Iggy,' Sedimentary 'Sed,' and Metamorphic 'Morph'!" Ways to find and places to observe these types of rock are suggested. Activities such as creating a sand sculpture or playing "Rock Tic-Tac-Toe" are included. Sidebars give additional information about geologists, language links ("blow your top" or "petrified"), famous formations, scientific controversies, and how to think like a scientist. The text is witty but conveys much factual material. The experiments can be done easily with household items and include safety precautions. Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Cole, Joanna, and Bruce Degen. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth. Scholastic; Big Book edition (September 1993)

Filled with interesting illustrations and dialog of information every kid should know about what the earth is made of. Follow the Magic Bus and these favorite characters to a journey inside the earth.

Ages 9-12
ISBN-10: 0590727826

From School Library Journal
Cole and Degen have struck at the core once again to produce an exciting, attractive, and informative science book for young readers. Children who entered Ms. Frizzle's classroom in The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks (Scholastic, 1986), are in for another exhuberant, intriguing field trip. This time, it's to the center of the earth. Surprises abound through each strata down to the very inner core where it is hot, hot, hot. The class collects rock samples before the bus is expelled from the earth's core in a volcanic eruption. Illustrations are in watercolor cartoon format and attendant ``balloons'' contain pertinent information or students' humorous asides. There are also pages from students' reports on rocks. A tongue-in-cheek section at the end discusses the real and fantasy aspects of the book. Containing uncluttered text and illustrations, it is an anticipatory page-turner full of exciting adventure from school yard to volcano and back. Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, Ohio. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gans, Roma, Holly Keller (Illustrator). Let's Go Rock Collecting (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science. Stage 2). HarperTrophy; Ill edition (May 30, 1997)

Ages 5-9
ISBN-10: 0064451704

Easy-to-understand text introduces children to rocks, how they are formed, what they are made of, and how they are used. Original color artwork and color photos.
More than just the title has been changed in this updated edition of Gans's Rock Collecting (Crowell, 1984). The topics are the same basic rock formation; the characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; the uses of rocks in the past (Roman roads, Egyptian pyramids) and the present (cement); and, finally, a bit about rock collecting. The excellent diagrams, full-color photographs of specimens, and minor textual changes clarify the concepts (for example, Mohs' scale of hardness) and extend the presentation. Gans barely introduces collecting rocks in the field and organizing and storing them, but the pair of youngsters featured in Keller's brightly colored illustrations certainly convey the joys of being a rock hound. Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA. Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Frank, Dave, John Galloway, and Ken Assmus. Life Cycle of a Mineral Deposit http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/17/

This teacher's guide defines what a mineral deposit is and how a mineral deposit is identified and measured, how the mineral resources are extracted, and how the mining site is reclaimed; how minerals and mineral resources are processed; and how we use mineral resources in our every day lives. Included are 10 activity-based learning exercises that educate students on basic geologic concepts; the processes of finding, identifying, and extracting the resources from a mineral deposit; and the uses of minerals. The guide is intended for K through 12 Earth science teachers and students and is designed to meet the National Science Content Standards as defined by the National Research Council (1996). To assist in the understanding of some of the geology and mineral terms, see the Glossary (appendix 1) and Minerals and Their Uses (appendix 2).

Pellant, Chris. Rocks & Minerals - Smithsonian Handbooks. DK ADULT; 1st edition (September 1, 2002)

ISBN-10: 0789491060

DK's Smithsonian handbook of Rocks and Minerals combines 600 vivid full-color photos with descriptions of more than 500 specimens. Each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics of the rock or mineral and distinguishing features. Color--coded bands provide a clear, at--a--glance facts for quick reference. In addition, each mineral entry features an illustration showing the crystal system to which the mineral belongs. Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals explains what rocks or minerals are, how they are classified, and how to start a collection. To help in the initial stages of rock identification, a clear visual key illustrates the differences between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, then guides the reader to the correct rock entry. A concise glossary provides instant understanding of technical and scientific terms.

Perrault, Chris. The Best Book of Fossils, Rocks, and Minerals. Publisher: Kingfisher (April 15, 2000)

Ages 4-8
ISBN-10: 075345274X

From School Library Journal
-Visually inviting, this series entry has colorful drawings, a minimum of text, and a format dependent upon breaking a large topic into small segments that can be contained on facing pages. Subjects such as "Our rocky world," "Layers of life," and "Precious gemstones" are covered briefly in introductory paragraphs and captions accompanying the eye-catching art. Very simplistic in approach (not all aluminum ends up as cans), this slender work will attract browsers in a classroom collection, but is not a first choice for libraries. Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY .Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pinet, Michele. Be Your Own Rock & Mineral Expert. Sterling Publishing (June 1997)

Ages 8-12
ISBN-10: 0806995807

Teaches children how to study the evidence and figure out which type of rocks have been found, how they're classified, and how to record what they've observed. Includes hands-on-experiments. Color illustrations.

Tompsom, Ida. Townsend P. Dickinson (Photographer). Field Guide to North American Fossils. National Audubon Society. Turtleback:Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.; 8th Printing edition (October 12, 1982)

ISBN-10: 0394524128

This, the first all-photographic field guide to cover fossils found throughout North America north of Mexico, includes nearly 500 full-color photographs identifying corals, trilobites, shells, teeth, bones, as well as fossil-bearing rocks and outcrop formations. The descriptive text includes information on size, geological period, geographical distribution, and ecology of the animal or plant before it was fossilized. In addition, the book provides lists of Geological Survey offices and major fossil collections, a geological time chart, and a guide to collecting and preserving fossils.
Also included are 33 color photographs of fossil-bearing rocks and outcrop formations plus 15 maps. More than 700 fossils are covered, 420 of them in full detail (4"x 7 1/2").