Draw a geological map
Create a simple geological map by observing rocks, noting layers, using colored pencils and symbols, and drawing a legend to explain your findings.
About this activity
Create a simple geological map by observing rocks, noting layers, using colored pencils and symbols, and drawing a legend to explain your findings.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials listed and put them where you can reach them easily.
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Step 2
With an adult, go to a small safe area that has a few rocks to study.
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Step 3
Place your paper on the clipboard or another flat surface so it stays steady.
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Step 4
Use your pencil to draw the boundary of the area you will map on the paper.
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Step 5
Walk slowly around the area and look for different rock types or visible layers.
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Step 6
Mark each different rock type or layer location on your paper outline with a simple shape or shaded patch.
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Step 7
Write a short note beside each mark describing the rock color and whether you see layers or grain.
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Step 8
Use a magnifying glass to inspect any small layers or fossils and add that detail to your notes.
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Step 9
Choose a different colored pencil for each rock type and color the matching patches on your map.
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Step 10
Draw arrows on your map to show the direction that rock layers slope or change.
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Step 11
Use the ruler to draw and label a simple scale bar (for example 1 cm = 1 m).
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Step 12
Draw a legend box and list each color or symbol with the rock name and a one-word description.
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Step 13
Add a clear title and the date to your map.
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Step 14
Share your finished geological map on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you draw a simple geological map with a child?
Start by picking a safe outdoor area with visible rocks or a layered bank. Sketch the outline of the site on paper, noting paths or landmarks. Walk the area and observe rock types, colors, and visible layers; mark each observation on the sketch. Use colored pencils for different rock types and draw symbols for fossils, boulders, or faults. Finish with a clear legend explaining colors and symbols, and label north and the date.
What materials are needed to make a kid-friendly geological map?
You’ll need a sketchbook or map paper, pencils and an eraser, colored pencils or markers, a ruler, and a clipboard. Add a magnifying glass or hand lens, a simple field guide or picture cards, a smartphone or camera for photos, and sticky notes for temporary labels. Bring water, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. Optional: gloves and a small hammer only under adult supervision for older kids.
What ages is a geological mapping activity suitable for?
This activity can be adapted by age: 5–7-year-olds can color-code simple rock patches and match pictures; 8–12-year-olds can note layers, draw basic legends, and record observations; 13+ can practice mapping symbols, measure simple orientations, and make more detailed sketches. Always supervise younger children, simplify concepts for early ages, and increase challenge with more observations for older kids.
What are the benefits and safety tips for kids making geological maps?
Benefits include improved observation, critical thinking, fine-motor skills, and an introduction to earth science and maps. It encourages outdoor exploration and curiosity about natural history. For safety, choose flat, stable sites away from cliffs, wear closed shoes and gloves, avoid loose rock handling, use hammers only with adult supervision, apply sunscreen, and carry water. Teach kids to respect nature and leave rock sites undisturbed.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a clipboard, magnifying glass, or colored pencils if we don't have them?
If you don't have a clipboard, use a hardcover book or piece of cardboard to keep paper steady, substitute a smartphone camera zoom or reading glasses for the magnifying glass, and use crayons or colored markers instead of colored pencils to color the map.
What should we do if we can't tell different rock types or layers while walking the area?
If rocks look similar, mark suspected differences on your paper outline, use your magnifying glass or smartphone zoom to check grain and fossils, and ask an adult to help confirm colors before coloring patches and writing the legend.
How can we change the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger children, an adult can pre-draw the boundary and let them use stickers or crayons to mark and color patches with one-word notes in the legend, while older kids can add a ruler-made scale bar, measure and draw slope arrows, take photos of features, and write a detailed legend before sharing on DIY.org.
What are some ways to extend or personalize our geological map after we finish the basic steps?
To extend the project, keep a field notebook with multiple maps over time, paste photos from your smartphone or magnifying-glass observations next to each colored patch in the legend, draw a simple cross-section showing the layer slopes you indicated with arrows, and add a creative title and unique symbols before uploading to DIY.org.