Old Rock Day (January 7)
One weird holiday on January 7 is Old Rock Day. Check out the other crazy holidays in January!
History of Old Rock Day
When we first heard of this weird holiday, we weren’t entirely certain if it was referring to fossils or Led Zeppelin. (Hint: it’s not music-related.)
The Earth is one giant “old rock.” Old rocks are provide scientists a lot of information about the history of the Earth, and many of them even contain fossils. The oldest one we know of is a zircon found in the Jack Hills of Australia. Scientists estimate that the rock could be as old as 4.4 billion years.
The study of old rocks first began with the Ancient Greeks, which is when Petrology (the study of rocks) was first introduced. It wasn’t until 1603 when the word ‘geology’ was used for the first time by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi.
Old rocks and fossils are a lot of fun to learn about, especially with children. While no one is certain when this holiday was officially begun, it’s a great one to celebrate with kids!
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Ideas to Celebrate Old Rock Day
Other than getting a stone tumbler and making your own cool things to look at, here are some ways you can celebrate.
Types of Rocks Worksheets
Don’t miss out on these Types of Rocks Worksheets! The kids will love learning all about the various rock formations and types of rocks in nature on Old Rock Day.
Inexpensive dinosaur treasure hunt Clues for older kids to enjoy at home (with answers)
This dinosaur treasure hunt is an inexpensive way for kids to enjoy a dino-themed activity at home on Old Rock Day.
Learn and Play: The Stone Age
Would you like some fun activities to do with your children to help them learn about what life was like in pre-historic times on Old Rock Day? Here's a list of ideas!
How to Get Your Child Hooked On Paleontology
If you want to increase your child’s interest in evolution, biology, and scientific thinking, paleontology is perfect - and Old Rock Day is the perfect time to do it!
How to Make a DIY Painted Rock Noughts and Crosses Game Your Kids Will LOVE! {with step-by-step tutorial}
Noughts and crosses (a.k.a. tic tac toe) is such a classic game, and great fun for both kids and adults. It's a fantastic game to play on Old Rock Day!
DIY Dinosaur Eggs Best Science Activities for Kids
Description is required.Use flour, cat litter, and glue to make your own dinosaur eggs on Old Rock Day!
Sensory Excavation and homemade fossil dough
Use this adorable dinosaur children's book to learn more about fossils on Old Rock Day!
Play Dough Fossils Identification Game
This Play Dough Fossils Identification Game is the perfect mix of fun and learning on Old Rock Day!
Dino Egg Dig
Make some DIY dinosaur eggs on Old Rock Day and go for a dig in the sandbox.
Educational Dinosaur Books (Dinosaur Unit Study)
Educational dinosaur books are perfect for your dino lover! What is it about dinosaurs that really capture a child’s imagination? Use Old Rock Day as a perfect learning opportunity!
Volunteering Vacations: What It's Like to Work on an Archaeological Dig
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an archaeologist? Find out on Old Rock Day how you can do a volunteering vacation!
How to Find Cool Rocks in Your Backyard
Imagine you’re out in your backyard, enjoying a nice day when you stumble upon a really cool rock. You pick it up and take a closer look at it, and realize that it’s not just any rock – it’s a gemstone! Wouldn't that be a cool activity on Old Rock Day? Learn how to do it yourself!
Craft and Decorate with DIY Fossils! Make your own!
If you have a Cricut machine, you can make these incredible DIY faux fossil trilobites on Old Rock Day!
Fizzy Treasure Rocks
Description is required.Make some cool fizzy treasure rocks on Old Rock Day! Just use large handfuls of wet baking soda, place a gold coin in the middle, and form the baking soda around it.
Coffee Ground Fossils
Kids will love making these coffee ground fossils and pretending they are on an archeological dig! Make these fossils with coffee grounds, flour and more on Old Rock Day!
Best Playdough Recipe And Bug Fossil Playdough
This simple and frugal playdough activity is both fun and a great way to teach kids about insects and fossils on Old Rock Day!
DIY Fossil Soft Toy Sewing Pattern
Sew your own plush fossil toys with these scientific patterns! Each pattern makes one large stuffed “rock” with a unique fossil applique. The download includes separate rock shapes and fossils for a skull, a dinosaur foot print, and a trilobite. These DIY softies are sure to be a hit and are a perfect activity for Old Rock Day!
My Town Rocks Rock Painting Ideas
Rock hunting is the newest community adventure since Pokemon Go. Search your local town and area for rocks hidden by citizens just like you! Old Rock Day is the perfect time to make some of your own to add to the adventure!
Cookie Fossil Dig
Enjoy Old Rock Day and satisfy your sweet tooth by going on a cookie fossil dig!
Step by Step Guide on How to make Cast Fossils with Kids
This simple activity is great for explaining how cast fossils are made and for your child to create their own on Old Rock Day.
Fossil Sensory Bin: A Visual Discrimination Activity
Calling all future paleontologists! The history museum is looking for more fossils to add to their collection. Are you ready for the job? Dig through this Fossil Sensory Bin and help the museum. Sensory activities like this one are a fun way for kids to use their senses to explore and learn on Old Rock Day!
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