Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure

Adventure Type: elective, STEM
Number of Requirements: 4
Typical Time to Complete: 1-2 meetings, plus crystal growth time (about 1 week)
Parent Involvement: Moderate, safety help, gathering supplies, supervising tools
Preparation Needed: Rock samples, geodes or breakable rocks, mineral test items, crystal materials, safety gear
Activity Level: Low to moderate, one higher energy option if rock hunting
Indoor or Outdoor: Both, indoor for most, outdoor for rock hunting or breaking rocks
Special Requirements: Safety goggles, safe tool use, supervision for breaking rocks
Supplies Snapshot: Rocks, geodes, magnifying glasses, hammer/chisel, penny, nail, glass, minerals, jars, sugar or borax

The Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure gives Scouts a chance to explore the world beneath their feet. They learn about rocks, minerals, and the layers of the Earth in a hands-on way. Instead of just reading about science, they get to see and touch it. This helps them understand how the Earth changes and why it matters.

As they work through the adventure, Webelos practice skills like observing, testing, and asking questions. They begin to think like scientists as they study what they find. These simple activities build confidence and curiosity. They also help Scouts see that science is something they can enjoy and understand.

This adventure is part of the Cub Scout STEM program, which helps youth explore science in real and practical ways. Earth Rocks! encourages Scouts to notice the natural world around them and learn from it. It is a fun way to grow in knowledge while also building respect for God’s creation.

Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure Requirements

1. Examine the 3 types of rocks, sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.
2. Find a rock, safely break it apart and examine it.
3. Make a mineral test kit, and test minerals according to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Using the Rock Cycle chart or one like it, discuss how hardness determines which materials can be used in homes, landscapes, or for recreation. 
4. Grow a crystal.

Printable requirements for the Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure

Webelos Adventures Check Off Sheet

Requirement 1: Rock Types

Examine  the three types of rocks, sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.

Help Scouts see the differences between rock types instead of memorizing names. Let them handle real samples and look for clues like layers, crystals, or smooth surfaces. Keep it simple by focusing on how each rock forms. A short discussion works better than a long lecture, and hands-on time keeps them engaged.

Easy option: Use a small rock kit or three labeled samples and have Scouts sort and describe them with a magnifying glass. Get a collection of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks

More ideas:

• Crayon Rock Formation: Using crayons to recreate the formation process of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• Rock Expert: Invite a Rockhound or geologist to a den meeting.
• Rock Hunt: Cub Scouts hunt for rocks to identify and categorize.

Requirement 2: What’s Inside a Rock

Find a rock, safely break it apart and examine it.

Safety matters most here, so plan ahead and control the activity. Pre-select rocks that will break cleanly and avoid frustration. Give each Scout a chance to observe closely, even if they are not the one holding the hammer. Focus on what they notice inside, not just breaking the rock.

Easy option: Use geodes and let Scouts gently crack them open while wearing safety glasses. See Break a Geode.

Here are some more options:

• Let’s Go Rock Hunting: Cub Scouts break apart rocks.

Requirement 3: Testing Mineral Hardness

Make a mineral test kit and test minerals according to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Using the rock cycle chart or one like it, discuss how hardness determines which materials can be used in homes, in landscapes, or for recreation.

Keep the testing simple and relatable. Scouts do not need to memorize the full Mohs scale. Instead, show how everyday objects like a penny or nail can test hardness. Connect this to real life by talking about why some materials are used for floors, tools, or playgrounds. See a detailed explanation of the Mohs test here.

Easy option: Set up stations with a penny, nail, and glass and have Scouts test a few minerals and record what scratches what. See Mineral Lab.

Requirement 4: Growing a Crystal

Grow  a crystal.

This works best when you prepare ahead and keep expectations realistic. Crystals take time, so plan for follow-up or send them home to finish. Talk about what is happening as the crystal forms, even if the results are small. The process matters more than the final product.

Easy option: Make sugar crystals in a jar so Scouts can watch growth over a few days and even taste the result later. See more information about growing sugar crystals

More resources:

• Crystal Shapes: Cub Scouts create their own crystal.
• Sweet Crystal: Cub Scouts create their own crystal that they can eat.

Soil Sample Cupcakes Recipe: Webelos will love making these colorful cupcakes and taking soil samples with their straws, while also learning about core samples used by geologists in research.

Where can I find different types of rocks?

Check local parks, nature trails, or your own backyard. Always make sure you have permission to take rocks from the area.

How do I make a mineral test kit?

Collect items of known hardness such as a fingernail, a copper penny, a piece of glass, and a steel file. Use these to scratch test minerals to determine their hardness. See more information here.

Is it safe to break rocks?

Yes, but you must wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and be careful with the tools you use. Always have an adult supervise when breaking rocks.

How long does it take to grow a crystal?

It usually starts forming in a few days, but the longer you leave it, the bigger it can grow. It could take a few weeks to see a large crystal.

The Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure is an engaging way for Cub Scouts to explore the fascinating world of geology. This adventure helps scouts learn about different types of rocks, how to safely break them apart, and the natural processes that form minerals and crystals.

First, scouts examine the three main types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. They learn how each rock is formed and where it can be found in nature. This provides a practical understanding of the earth’s crust and the variety of materials it holds.

Next, scouts take a hands-on approach by finding and safely breaking rocks. This activity encourages careful observation and introduces them to the physical characteristics of rocks. By using tools like hammers and chisels under supervision, they also learn about safety and responsibility.

In another exciting part of the Earth Rocks! adventure, Webelos make their own mineral test kits. They use these kits to explore mineral hardness and discuss the practical applications of different minerals in everyday life, using the Mohs scale of hardness as a guide.

Finally, scouts grow their own crystals from borax, watching how minerals can form in nature. This not only adds to their understanding of geological processes but also brings a sense of accomplishment as they observe the results of their efforts over time.

This Earth Rocks! adventure is a fun and interactive way for Webelos to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world and the science of geology.