Grade: K-12 (adaptable for other age groups)
Age: 5-18
Dreary days getting you down? Why not pick up a few rocks and create some fun?!
What You Need:
some small rocks
thick water-based paint (acrylic)
paintbrushes or sponges
water, old margarine containers
some magic markers
a container of white glue
some newspapers to keep your work area clean
What You Do:
Clean all the dirt off of your rocks and let them dry.
Decide what you are going to create - a picture, an animal, a funky paper weight... it's all up to you!
Begin painting your rock with the designs and colors of your choice. If you like, you can draw some lovely pictures using magic markers instead of paint.
When you are all finished decorating and the paint is completely dry, it's time to seal the rock. Do this by mixing some white glue with a little bit of water.
Brush some of the water/glue mixture onto your rock to seal in the beauty.
You are finished and you can move on to the next one... and the next... and the next!
Note: If you are going to paint rocks to leave outside, make sure you use a biodegradable, environmentally-friendly water-based paint!
Did You Know:
There are three main types of rocks: Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
Igneous rocks are those formed from magma or lava which has cooled. Think of them as "fire" rocks.
Sedimentary rocks are those formed when sediments (like sand and pebbles) are pressed or cemented together naturally, through time. Think of them as "layered" rocks.
Metamorphic rocks are existing rocks which have been changed by high heat and pressure inside the earth over millions of years. Think of them as "recycled" rocks.
Now you know.
Recommended Products:
Geology Rocks!: 50 Hands-On Activities to Explore the Earth (Kaleidoscope Kids)
Geology's basics are explored in a lively fashion and are accompanied by a combination of familiar and not-so-familiar experiments and activities. Each chapter introduces a concept such as "the first rock group-Igneous 'Iggy,' Sedimentary 'Sed,' and Metamorphic 'Morph'!" Ways to find and places to observe these types of rock are suggested. Activities such as creating a sand sculpture or playing "Rock Tic-Tac-Toe" are included.
Painting on Rocks for Kids (Creative Kids)
Lin Wellford, the original "rock artist" shows kids how to create amazing creatures, incredible toys and wild gifts for their friends and family. All it takes is some paint, a few rocks and a little imagination! Easy-to-follow pictures and instructions show kids how to turn stones into everything from racecars and lizards to teddy bears and flowers!
Let's Rock!: Rock Painting for Kids
Lively writing, colorful photos, and bright borders make this craft book particularly inviting. The author begins with an explanation of the types of paint and rocks best used for these projects, as well as general techniques for transferring designs and painting. Then the real fun begins with step-by-step, well-illustrated directions for decorating small, flat stones with flowers, animals, heart shapes, sports motifs, foods, places, holiday designs, and more.
KinderArt® Lesson/Activity 
