Science Background

Humans have been using stone for building purposes for thousands of years. All over the world, we continue to use many types of stone for the construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and monuments. In almost any city or town, you can find a wide variety of building stones. Students study and learn to identify different rocks and minerals as part of Earth science in elementary and middle school, but they usually see only small samples and textbook pictures in the classroom. An urban geology field trip can allow students to see and touch much more impressive examples of these rocks and minerals while also having an opportunity to discuss other place-based topics related to construction, city planning, and environmental ...