SPRING BREAK CAMPS are running the weeks of March 10th and March 17th 2025

(480) 757-1281

Earth Science Detectives

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About Course

In this exciting new camp offering, younger campers will become earth-science detectives – tasked with interpreting the clues of the natural world around them. In a series of experiments and hands-on puzzles, campers will learn to identify crystals and minerals, will gain map reading skills, and will learn about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Earth Science Detective Camp engages the kids in fun, hands-on, narrative-based puzzles as they explore the Earth’s many mysteries!

What Will You Learn?

  • Learn how to read map coordinates and learn how to interpret topographic maps.
  • Learn how to identify minerals based on their streak, shape, magnetism, hardness, and reactivity with acid.
  • Learn how various geological structures form.
  • Learn about tectonic plates and earthquakes.
  • Get hands on experience with dozens of different rock and mineral samples, and learn about their different colors, shapes, luster, and properties.

Course Content

INSTRUCTOR BRIEFING
This section is designed to get instructors up to speed on the camp materials and daily workflow.

  • Lesson 01: Camp Overview and Schedule
  • Lesson 02: Instructor Overview and Learning Objectives
  • Lesson 03: Instructor Course Tips
  • Lesson 04: Instructor Overview Video
    02:30

MONDAY – MAP READING AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
In today's lessons, campers learn to read maps and learn about topographic maps and mountains.

TUESDAY – MYSTERY MINERALS AND SANDSTONE ARCHES
In today's lessons, campers will learn to identify "Mystery Minerals." They'll learn about the sandstone arches in Arches National Park and how they form.

WEDNESDAY – PLATE TECTONICS AND EARTHQUAKES
In today's lesson, campers will learn about tectonic plates and earthquakes. They'll use Minecraft's TNT to replicate the old-fashioned "drilling and blasting" form of mining.

THURSDAY – CARMEN’S MINE
In today's lessons, students will get hands-on experience with dozens of different rock and mineral samples. They'll describe the characteristic colors, luster, texture, and other properties of their samples.

FRIDAY – WRAP UP
For the final day of camp, instructors can present activities for which time ran short earlier in the week. Campers can continue to investigate the rock and mineral samples. Two additional extension activities are offered in the video material and students may also have free play time with the camp build materials or Minecraft.

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