BREAK YOUR OWN GEODE EXCAVATION

Geodes are a lot of fun to crack open and discover the amazing crystals inside. Why not double the discovering fun by hiding the geode in an excavation to be uncovered first? In this quick tutorial, we are not only going to teach you how to make a Break Your Own Geode Excavation, but we are going to teach you an easy and safe technique to easily break the geode open once it has been excavated.

Fun facts: Geodes can form in any cavity, but the term is usually reserved for more or less rounded formations in igneous and sedimentary rocks.

Materials:

Sand
Plaster of Paris
Water
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Excavation tools. Wooden dowels and other blunt instruments work well. Sharp tools are unsafe and not necessary as the excavations are reasonably brittle and excavate easily.
Safety goggles
Small brush
One or more geodes. You can use broken pieces of geodes if that is all you have although it is a little more fun to dig up a whole geode and then break it open.
Container - Any plastic container will do.
Old sock
Hammer

Pro tip: You can find geodes online for cheap. Why not make up a batch of break your own geode excavations to enjoy in class or at your child's next birthday? They are inexpensive, easy to make, and are a real hit with the kiddos!

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Instructions:

Put one cup of sand in your mixing bowl.
Add one-third cup Plaster of Paris.
Use the wooden spoon to mix the sand and Plaster of Paris.
Add one-third cup of water and mix.
Keep adding small amounts of water until you reach a pancake like batter consistency.
Add the geodes to the container.
Pour a layer of the mixture into the container to cover the geodes.
Gently tap the sides of the container to remove any air bubbles. This will also allow a little mixture under the geodes.
Set the Break Your Own Geode Excavation in a safe location to dry undisturbed overnight. I like to put the excavation in front of a fan.

Now the Break Your Own Geode Excavation is ready to be enjoyed. Find an area that is easy to clean up, distribute the safety goggles and excavation tools, and let the excavating begin.

Once the geode has been successfully excavated, you are ready to break it open. Find a hard surface on which to break the geode. Then simply put the geode in a sock, put on your safety goggles, and firmly tap the geode until it breaks. The pieces will be contained in the sock, so pour them out for your excavating adventurer to investigate and enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed this super quick tutorial and enjoy making the Break Your Own Geode Excavation. These excavations are very easy to make, inexpensive, and a lot of fun!

Pro tip: Use this activity to create some excitement around discussions or lessons regarding rocks, minerals, geology, and more!

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