Journey Through the Rock Cycle with a Volcano: My Perspective on Engaging Students

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🧭 YOU ROCK! Teaching Geology Through Hands-on Learning By Bobbie LeFebvre

Geology Enthusiast & Earth Science Educator

There’s something magical about turning a classroom into a volcano—or watching a student’s eyes light up when they touch a crystal for the first time. My journey into the world of rocks, minerals, fossils, and the science behind them started with fascination and grew into a calling.

As someone with a deep love for Earth science, geology became my playground. But this wasn’t just about collecting shiny stones—my creative spark led me to make gemstone jewelry, and soon, my desire to share grew into designing immersive educational experiences. I’ve discovered firsthand how hands-on learning transforms geology from “just another science class” into a thrilling adventure.

🌋 Bringing the Rock Cycle to Life

Rather than handing out worksheets or showing static diagrams, I teach the rock cycle using the Earth itself. My demonstrations are interactive and tailored to different grade levels. For younger students, we build volcanoes and make them erupt using vinegar, baking soda, acidic drinks, and red food coloring. When the lights go out and the students become the rumbling volcano, the energy is electric.

But the show’s not just for fun—it’s science in action. We explore the formation of igneous rocks, the mechanics behind eruptions, and dive into real-world examples like the eruption of Mount St. Helens, with older groups. Students even get to touch samples of lava before and after the eruption in 2025, and compare textures.

🪨 Rocks in Their Hands = Curiosity in Their Minds

Every student deserves to feel geology. I set up stations featuring actual specimens representing stages of the rock cycle—crystals, sedimentary samples, igneous rocks, and fossils. The students reactions spoke volumes. I love it when a student excitedly shouted, “this looks like the rock in my backyard". That was the moment I knew, I had to make my presentations better and more accessible.

From mini geological labs in classrooms to full-blown setups in gyms and cafeterias, I bring the Earth indoors. We can simulate sedimentary formation using clay, sand, and pebbles—allowing students to explore compaction and cementation through play and experimentation.

🌍 Real-World Connections

Once the basics are established, students start seeing geology everywhere—from the pavement to the playground. We can talk about volcanoes throughout history and reflect on how eruptions impact communities, air quality, and even global climates.

💻 Tech Meets Tectonics

As a hands-on learner myself, I recognize that not everyone learns best by reading, so my presentation relies heavily on visual tools to engage groups and spark understanding.

🧩 How It All Aligns: TEKS, STEAM & STAAR Integration

This hands-on geology experience isn't just fun—it’s academically rooted and interdisciplinary. Here’s how it supports official standards and learning outcomes in Texas:

📘 TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)

Subject Area	TEKS Chapter	Focus Connections
Science	Chapter 112	Rock cycle, volcanoes, fossils, Earth systems
Fine Arts	Chapter 117	Creative expression through gemstone jewelry
Career & Tech Ed	Chapter 130	Geoscience careers, environmental systems

🔬 STEAM Elements in Action

• Science: Formation processes, mineral exploration, tectonic modeling

• Engineering: Hands-on volcano construction, erosion models

• Arts: Jewelry design, rock texture, visual storytelling

  
  

📝 STAAR Support

• Grades 5 & 8 Science STAAR Assessments: Covers core geology topics including the rock cycle, and fossil formation

• Performance-Based Learning: Project work and inquiry align with how STAAR measures understanding via TEKS

  
  

📚 Learning That Lasts

Understanding is assessed through open-ended questions, projects, and presentations. But the real evaluation? Their excitement, their questions, their engagement. Hands-on learning wins every time.

🎓 Not a Licensed Educator—Just a Licensed Enthusiast

Though I’m not a certified teacher, I’ve learned that passion and creativity go a long way. I tailor experiences for different learning styles and groups, making geology inclusive and engaging for general studies and additional needs groups.

If you’re an educator or group leader, I encourage you to think beyond the textbook. Connect science to real life. Add spark, story, and sensation. The results will speak for themselves.

24/7 Earth specimen store featuring crystals, gemstones, minerals, gemstone and Sterling silver jewelry. Ships throughout the U.S.A.

📞 Located in Texas? Contact Us

We offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to explore your group or school's needs and see how we can bring an unforgettable geology experience to your students. Serving Galveston to Austin, Texas.

Let’s inspire the next generation of scientists—one crystal, one eruption, one rock at a time.

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