:: SCOPE ::

Rock Science

Dr Rob with a rock Planet Earth is mainly made up of rocks. From mountains to river beds to our backyard garden beds, rocks are all around us. But what is a rock? How are they made? And are all rocks the same?

Join Dr Rob as he goes a little bit sedimentary without being too igneous and SCOPEs out all the metamorphic science behind rocks. As once again the ordinary becomes extraordinary, under the SCOPE.

[external links open in a new window]

Hunting for thunder eggs
The basics of rocks
Artificial rock - lightweight concrete
Sapphire mining
Space rocks - meteorites
SMART*CUT

Honeycomb pumice

Australian Miners and Prospectors Hall of Fame - lots of interesting sections in here
A diamond's journey (video and links): from volcanic pipes to jewellery, from Africa's blood diamonds to India's gem cutters.
The low down on rocks
The Minerals Council of Australia - activities for students and teachers, plus careers information
Rocks for kids
'What rock is that?' online game

Try these DIY science experiments from CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club:

Craig Harbers with machinery

Matt Bee with Dr Rob looking at a rock

Nikita with a plate and honeycomb

Dr Swee Mak in his workshop

Dr Rob, rock star

Peter Brown wearing a helmet

VIDEO CLIPS

Rock science

Honeycomb pumice

Hyssil

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