Fourth Graders Leave No Stone Unturned on Geology Museum Trip

After studying rocks and minerals in science class, our fourth graders took a trip to the Rutgers Geology Museum in New Brunswick to see those lessons come to life.

They had already learned about the three main types of rocks, how they form, and how they change over time. At the museum, they got a closer and more hands-on look as they practiced identifying minerals by looking at their color, streak, luster, hardness, and cleavage, just like a geologist would. It surprised many of them to realize how often we rely on minerals—from the salt on our tables to the graphite in our pencils.

To wrap up the visit, students took part in a scavenger hunt, which gave them the chance to explore more of the museum's fascinating exhibits.

Before returning to campus, we made a special stop—right across the street from the museum for a photo op in front of the original Rutgers Preparatory School building! It was a memorable way to close out a day full of curiosity and learning about the natural world.