Share Your Rock Collection
Organize and photograph your rock collection, identify common types with a guide, label each specimen, and create a simple display to share.
Step-by-step guide to share your rock collection
Step 1
Gather all your rocks into one clean spot so you can see them all at once.
Step 2
Use the soft cloth to gently wipe dirt off each rock so the colors and patterns show.
Step 3
Sort your rocks into piles by color so similar-looking rocks stay together.
Step 4
Use the rock identification guide to identify the type of one rock from each pile.
Step 5
Write the rock type name on a sticky note with your marker for each identified type.
Step 6
Attach the correct sticky note next to or on each rock so every specimen has a label.
Step 7
Arrange the labeled rocks neatly on your tray or display board grouped by type.
Step 8
Make a title card on paper with your collection name and tape it to the display.
Step 9
Take clear photos of your whole display and a close-up of any special rocks for sharing.
Step 10
Write a short note about your favorite rock and one thing you learned from the guide.
Step 11
Upload your photos and note and share your finished rock collection on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of the soft cloth or sticky notes if we can't find them?
Use a clean old T‑shirt or damp paper towel to gently wipe each rock and label specimens with small pieces of masking tape or cut paper taped next to each rock.
My sticky notes keep falling off and my close-up photos are blurry — how can I fix that?
Secure each sticky note with a little tape when you 'Attach the correct sticky note' and take photos in daylight on a flat surface using a steady hand or phone stand for the 'Take clear photos' step.
How can I change the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger kids, sort into three color piles and have an adult write rock names on the sticky notes, while older kids should use the rock identification guide to research each specimen and make a detailed title card and data sheet.
What are some ways to personalize or extend our rock display before uploading to DIY.org?
Add a magnifying glass next to special rocks, tape a small map of where each rock was found onto the tray, and record a short video tour to include with the photos and note when you 'Upload your photos and note' to DIY.org.
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Facts about rocks and minerals
🔍 All rocks belong to three main types: igneous (from lava), sedimentary (layered), or metamorphic (changed by heat and pressure).
📸 Always include a ruler or coin when photographing a specimen — scale makes ID and comparisons much easier.
🚫 Collecting is fun, but many national parks and museums forbid removing rocks—always check local rules first.
🪨 Some rocks are over 4 billion years old — older than most continents!
🧭 You can test a mineral's hardness at home with a fingernail, a penny, or a piece of glass (that's the Mohs scale in action).
How do I organize and photograph my rock collection?
What materials do I need to identify and label each rock?
What ages is this activity suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for sharing a rock collection?
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