[Emily4th]

I was asked by someone about these lessons, so I thought I would share here.

Edible Rocks

[Emily4th]

Here's the one on cupcake mining

[♥theColts]

Thank you so much for sharing! Rocks and minerals are one of my favorites to teach because (1) my older son has collected for so many years now that his knowledge excites me and (2) we follow-up this unit with a trip to our local lapidary. The owner is wonderful with the kids, and they get to spend money on this field trip buying things they have learned about!

[hellofrom66]

Thanks for posting this. This will be my 1st year teaching rocks & minerals, so I've been looking for fun ways to teach the lessons.

[change2R]

Do you make special cupcakes for the mining?

[Emily4th]

For the cupcake mining, I buy about 5 of different mixes and add sprinkles, food coloring, etc. Then I use aluminum cupcake papers and fill them a scoop at a time of the different mixes and bake like normal. They also need to be frosted. I usually frost them with chocolate (soil) and add green sprinkles (grass).

It is a lot of work but such a fun project. Usually I put the mixes on my wishlist, and only have to buy a few things.

Emily

[BamaBabe]

I love the edible rocks idea. Thanks for sharing.

[litprof]

I am looping with my class from last year. I have not taught 4th grade in over 20 years. I am going to be learning a lot from you. Thank you for all your sharing. I plan to check your website frequently.
Once again, girl, you've hit one out of the ballpark! You're too ! I am definitely one of your ! (Corny, but I love these little fans!)

[craftygal]

I buy Chocolate Rock Candy from www.groovycandy.com They look just like real rocks (I don't tell the kids they are chocolate until later. They really can't tell). When we are studying types of rocks, I make rock pancakes to show how heat and pressure changes the characteristics of rocks. In the pancakes besides adding the chocolate rocks, I add marshmellows and gummy candies. They LOVE them.

[Moonflower]

... for a couple of great lesson ideas! I will use them!

I'm confused about the chocolate rocks though - you said you don't tell the students they are chocolate, but you cook them in a pancake - do the children think you are putting real rocks into the pancakes then?

[Azure]

What do the kids use to drill into the cupcake with?? This is a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing.

[craftygal]

I let each one hold and observe one first as they describe the color and texture, then they eat one before I make the pancakes. They are so surprised and delighted.

[cwp873]

Thank you so much. These are such great ideas!!!! I teach 7/8, and need to review the rock cycle which they learned in 5th. These ideas will be so much fun!!!

[Teacher Lady]

You can vary the sedimentary rocks with chunky or creamy peanut butter or frosting with and without chips. You can use different types of bread or cookies to simulate different rock units. I would make them and talk it up, "Here we have a dark sandstone layer (wheat bread) covered by a flood (chunky peanut butter, with the bigger rocks moved by the force of the flood), and then a lighter sandstone layer (white bread) and a lava flow (jelly)," etc. Then cut and offer the "rock" pieces to class members.

[Teacher Lady]

We use a clear straw to drill the core. They are not that easy to find though.

[kdeeaot93]

I noticed that it said that they recommend shipping overnight because it might melt. This company is in Ohio and I live in Georgia. Do you think mine would melt? I probably wouldn't need them until November.

Thanks for the cool idea! What a great way to end a unit!

[kdeeaot93]

Your rocks and cupcake mining are AWESOME! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love these. I would love to be able to post these on my website. Would this be possible? If you have a weblink, I can hyperlink it to that or just add your name as the author. Thanks again!

www.mrskampsclass.com

[imh87]

I love your edible rocks idea! I will be using it soon.