Rockin’ Out

Posted on | October 26, 2009 | 6 Comments

So, this past couple of weeks the boys have been studying a little bit about rocks. We delved a wee bit into the different kinds of rocks (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic). We thought we’d share a bit about how we made our own sedimentary rocks.

Sedimentary rocks are formed when earth is eroded by water and wind. Bits and pieces flow down stream or river until they settle. With time and pressure, the bottom-most layers become rocks.

Here we go! First, we need our water to do some eroding. The part of water today will be played by 1/2 stick of melted butter.

Then, you add to that 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs. Or in this case, Teddy grahams which the boys got tired of eating. Poor teddy grahams. Mix and toss the crumbs with the butter until well incorporated. If you notice, the smallest particles always end up at the bottom of a mixture.

Now, apply lots of pressure. Each layer of sedimentary rock gets the pressure treatment after all. Press it evenly on the bottom of the pan.

Add more fluids to wash down more sediment.

Pour it carefully over the graham cracker mixture:

Spread it across so you have an even layer:

Now, you will add the larger particles that are washed downstream. In this case, 1 1/2 c. of pecans, chopped and 2 c. of chocolate chips (we only had 1/2 c. of chips so we chopped up some semi-sweet chocolate to make up for the rest).

You could replace some of the pecans with coconut, if you like (we don’t). Mix both gently so that they’re spread around more or less evenly. That way the chocolate will do a better job of holding it all together.

Now you’re ready to apply pressure and heat. Put your pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 1/2 hour. Check at that point to see if the chocolate is melted and the condensed milk is absorbed. You may have to spread the chocolate around a little bit (we did).

Cut into pieces while still warm so that things are fair. If you want it to be more “real” you can try and break apart the pieces. The wise parent knows that this can sometimes cause unwanted issues. Hehe. Now, enjoy your rocks and observe the layers, reflecting on how they were made.


“Mommy, this isn’t a rock!”


“You mean we put pecans in this?” Don’t worry, dear reader, he did warm up to them very quickly after the first bite.

Yes, yes, yes, science is fun. But it can also be delicious!

Category: Homeschool
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Comments

6 Responses to “Rockin’ Out”

  1. Simi
    October 26th, 2009 @ 2:56 pm

    LOL this is a great blog. Very cute!

  2. phisch
    October 26th, 2009 @ 7:13 pm

    Thanks, Simi!

  3. k.d.
    October 27th, 2009 @ 5:45 pm

    super post! love it! =)

  4. Wendy
    October 31st, 2009 @ 12:11 am

    This is just great. I’m putting this one in my collection for my kiddo. :) Thanks for sharing!

  5. phisch
    October 31st, 2009 @ 4:07 am

    Great, Wendy! I don’t remember where I got it, but it’s not my recipe :)

    If you want to learn how crystals are formed, just look up rock candy recipes. That one is also a lesson in patience ;)

  6. phisch
    October 31st, 2009 @ 4:08 am

    wie gehts, kd?

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