Rock Tumbler

The rock tumbler is a great way to teach about what happens to rocks and minerals and the mechanical weathering process. The tumbler can be set up in your classroom and students can watch all phases and changes during the process.  (The rocks do tumble, so it is not a silent machine.)  All grits, polish, and raw rocks are included. The full process takes about 3-4 weeks.

We also offer an Earth Science unit full of materials and hands-on activities.  (See Earth Science Rocks on the WOW! on Wheels STEM Labs page.) Your students can examine and document their observations with different rocks, minerals, and fossils. They can learn to sort rocks into the three main classifications, learn how those rocks formed, and better understand the rock cycle. All materials for these activities are included.  We also have screen sieves that you can borrow that will allow your students to separate soil and to determine the amount of clay, silt, and sand particles in the soil.

The Helpful Tips button links you to the lesson ideas and activities we’ve put together for using the Rock Tumbler.  Copies will be included in the kit for your use.