INTRODUCTION
Geology is the science of slow processes—very, very slow! They are so slow, in fact, that we almost forget they exist—that is until we think about metals, fossil fuels, mountains, earthquakes, or volcanoes. And then, we are suddenly interested in this science, which is so important that we’ve dedicated a book to it. In this book, we’ll take children on a journey to the center of the Earth.
Mad for Science: Geology analyzes four environments in which geology helps us to understand the landscape.
ROCKS, MINERALS, AND CAVES
Starting from a simple question—How are rocks made?—you’ll learn how to classify them, transform them, and then start discovering them with a real caving expedition.
INSIDE PLANET EARTH
We live on Earth, but to understand what it’s made of, we must go deeper and deeper inside it, to find out how it is made and how it has changed over millions of years.
VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES
When something as immense as Earth’s surface moves, it’s impossible to think that everything will stay the same. But knowing, exploring, and learning more are all ways of learning how to better manage risk.
UNDERGROUND AND MINING
Since ancient times, humans have not only studied the Earth but have also wondered what they could do with what’s beneath the surface—a millennial history that passes through quarries, mines, shafts, and exploration.
THIS BOOK IS FOR CHILDREN AGE8 8 AND UP
A few notes about the activities
The book contains several activities that allow children to approach the concepts in an active and playful way.
There are inductive questions that encourage critical thinking and lead children to reflect on a few fundamental properties, and there are experiments to simulate some of the processes that take place underground and help clear up any doubts.
Then there are loads of stickers—fun elements that help draw attention to crucial concepts.
READ THE BOOK AND DISCOVER JUST HOW MUCH GEOLOGY IS AROUND YOU.
Rocks, crystals, and caves
WE ARE SPIN AND NIPS, AND WE TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE TO SEE AND LEARN AMAZING AND EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. HERE ON EARTH, WE’VE MET PEOPLE WITH FUNNY TITLES: A SPELEOLOGIST, FOR EXAMPLE, BUT ALSO A MINER, GEOLOGIST, VOLCANOLOGIST, AND GLACIOLOGIST. THEY ALL USE SPECIAL TOOLS, LIKE A HAMMER, A HELMET, A DRILL, OR SPIKED SHOES...AND THEIR JOBS ARE ABOUT FINDING OUT HOW YOUR PLANET IS MADE.
I’M SPIN. I CAN CHANGE MY SHAPE AND SIZE WHENEVER I WANT. MY FAVORITE COLOR IS YELLOW.
I’M NIPS. I CAN DIVIDE AND MULTIPLY MY BODY. MY FAVORITE COLOR IS RED. I LOVE HAMMERING ROCKS TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HIDDEN INSIDE THEM.
WHAT IS GEOLOGY?
GEOLOGY IS THE SCIENCE THAT STUDIES WHAT MAKES UP EARTH AND THE HISTORY OF ITS MOUNTAINS, CONTINENTS, AND ROCKS. IT’S ALSO THE STUDY OF PHENOMENA THAT MODIFY THE PLANET, SUCH AS EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES
A GLACIOLOGIST STUDIES GLACIERS
A VOLCANOLOGIST STUDIES VOLCANOES A MINER WORKS IN THE MINES.
COMPLETE THE PICTURE WITH THE STICKERS OF THESE THREE PLACES. YOU CAN FIND THE STICKERS AT THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
THE WORD “GEOLOGY” MEANS “STUDY OF THE EARTH.” IT DERIVES FROM THE GREEK GEO (EARTH) + LOGIA (STUDY)
FIND THE RIGHT PATH!!
HELP SPIN AND NIPS FIGURE OUT WHICH PATH WILL LEAD THEM TO THE MINERALS.
3. ATTACH THE CLOTHESPIN TO THE END OF THE SUGAR-COATED SKEWER, AND PLACE IT ON THE JAR AS SHOWN IN THE PICTURE. THE END OF THE SKEWER SHOULD BE ABOUT HALF AN INCH (1 CM) FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE JAR.
4. THE NEXT STEP TAKES TIME, JUST LIKE ALL GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES. THE CRYSTALS WILL GROW DAY BY DAY. WHEN YOU THINK THEY’RE BIG ENOUGH, REMOVE THE SKEWER, LEAVE IT TO DRY, AND THEN...ENJOY YOUR CANDY CRYSTALS!
WHAT HAPPENED?
BY PUTTING THE SUGAR IN HOT WATER, YOU CREATED A SUPERSATURATED SOLUTION. THIS MEANS THAT YOU MANAGED TO DISSOLVE MORE SUGAR THAN YOU WOULD HAVE IF THE WATER HAD BEEN COLD. THE TINY SUGAR CRYSTALS GREW IN AN ORDERLY FASHION, BY GRADUALLY ATTACHING THEMSELVES TO THE SKEWER.