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Rock Detective

Activity

Uncovering the Secrets of Limestone

Find a piece of limestone or chalk (you can look outside or use one from home). Examine it closely, do you notice any tiny layers or patterns? Try gently rubbing it on a piece of paper or your hand, does it leave a powdery mark? If you have a magnifying glass, look even closer to spot any tiny fossils or details. Break a small piece (if possible) and see how it crumbles. What do you think makes limestone so soft compared to other rocks?
Geology 1
Geology 1 (3)
Geology 1 (2)

Science Seed

Limestone is a sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed over millions of years. It often comes from the remains of ancient sea creatures like shells and coral, which settle in layers at the bottom of oceans or lakes. Over time, these layers are buried, pressed together, and hardened into rock. You can sometimes see fossils or tiny layers in limestone, clues to the environments it came from. Because limestone is soft and dissolves in weak acids, it’s shaped easily by water, creating amazing features like cliffs, caves, and underground springs.
botany jar illustration

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Sanchez Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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