More Resources
Explore the Museum's hidden treasures from home!
Learn about Earth Science with Rocky the Rockhound!
Magazines, clubs, classes, shows, and more. Find the list of links right here.
Download this guide to our educational programs & services.
Download the quiz that students will take as part of their visit to the Museum.
Learn More!
Programs available in-house or outreach!
For more information or to schedule an event, please reach out to our Educator, Sara Kurth at: educator@lizzadromuseum.org
Hands-On Programs
Start Your Rockin’ Collection
Ready to dig into the fascinating world of rocks, minerals, and fossils? In this hands-on program, kids will learn how to start their very own rock collection while discovering the unique characteristics of different rock types. Participants will bring in their own rocks for expert identification and get a chance to decorate a repurposed egg carton to display their treasures. To help get started, everyone will receive six rock, mineral, and fossil samples to add to their collection. It’s the perfect adventure for any budding rockhound!
Age Requirement: 5 years and up
Fee: This class is $10 per person with a 15 minimum requirement (30 max).
Length: 30–45-minutes
Rock and Mineral Identification Class
Join geologist Sara Kurth for a hands-on adventure in the world of rock and mineral identification. In this interactive class, you’ll learn how to recognize and classify minerals using observation and hardness testing. Whether you’re a curious rockhound or a scout working towards your Earth Science badges, this session offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world. Uncover the fascinating properties of the earth beneath your feet and leave with the knowledge to identify rocks and minerals like a pro!
Age Requirement: 8 years and older
Fee: $10 per person with a 15 minimum requirement (30 max)
Length: 60-75 minute program
Jewelry-Making Class
Unleash your creativity in this fun, hands-on jewelry-making workshop! Design your own unique gemstone creations—including a necklace, a keychain, and a pin. All materials are provided in individual kits. After the class, embark on a tour of the Museum and challenge yourself to complete a scavenger hunt. This workshop is the perfect way to delve into the world of stone jewelry while also exploring the beauty of gemstones and the wonders of the museum!
Age Requirement: 8 years and older
Fee: $15 per person with a 10 minimum requirement (30 max)
Length: 45–60-minutes
Lecture-Based Programs
(All groups must include 10 or more participants)
Volcanoes!
Join Sara Kurth, volcano expert, for an unforgettable journey into the fiery world of volcanoes! Discover the fascinating science behind different types of volcanic eruptions and what causes them to erupt in such unique ways. Learn about the hazards these mighty forces of nature pose to both people and the environment. With the option to dive into the basics of rocks and minerals, this interactive presentation is packed with hands-on activities, real rock samples, thrilling videos, and much more. Get ready for an eruption of excitement that’s sure to make learning about volcanoes a BLAST!
Age Requirement: 8 years and older, mixed group
Outreach Fee: $150 flat fee with no minimum or maximum requirement
Any subsequent lectures are $50 each
In-House Fee: $10 per person
Length: 50–60-minutes
The Fossil Lady – She Sells Sea Shells by the Seashore
Travel to 19th-century England and meet Mary Anning, the trailblazing fossil hunter who revolutionized our understanding of dinosaurs, evolution, and extinction. In this immersive, living history presentation, you’ll hear firsthand stories of her incredible discoveries and how she helped reshape science. Explore real fossils, see animal representations, and view historic images that bring Mary’s world to life. It’s a journey through time you won’t want to miss!
Age Requirement: 5 years and older, mixed group
Outreach Fee: $150 flat fee with no minimum or maximum requirement
Any subsequent lectures are $50 each
In-House Fee: $10 per person
Length: 50-60 minutes
Special Programs
The Museum Educator does provide special programs with advanced notice. Topics may include:
- Volcanoes
- Fossils
- Rock Collecting
- Lapidary Art
- Gemology
- And more
If you have a specific need or requirement, please reach out to the Museum Educator at educator@lizzadromuseum.org for more information or to discuss options.
Continue your Museum Experience Online!
Play | Watch | Learn with Rocky
The Museum offers an online learning experience for students, scouts and parents with the Rocky the Rockhound! PLAY fun games, WATCH videos about the earth, and LEARN more about geology!
Virtual Tours of the Lizzadro Museum
Additionally, you can tour the Museum virtually here!
**These virtual resources were made possible through a grant from the Business Interruption Grant (BIG).
Teaching Aid Boxes
Teaching aid boxes are available for loan to schools and organized groups at no charge. Each box can be loaned for a maximum of two weeks. Please note that all boxes are sanitized after each use. PDF versions of paperwork will be emailed to recipient who will be responsible for any printing required. Recommended for grades 3 through 6. Call the Museum at 630.833.1616 during Museum hours or email: educator@lizzadromuseum.org for box availability.
B1 Quartz Family Box
Quartz is the most common mineral in the world. It comprises over 75% of the earth’s crust. This box heightens students’ awareness of the varieties of quartz. It shows the difference between common quartzite and gem quality agate, jasper, amethyst, and aventurine. Contains hands on specimens, teacher’s guide and activity sheet. Weight: 28 lbs. Recommended for grades 3 to 6.
B2 Rock & Mineral Box
This box helps students distinguish between the three types of rock (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary) and various common minerals. It includes the Mohs scale of hardness as an introduction to identification. The box contains loose specimens for further identification, teacher’s guide and activity sheet. Weight 23 lbs.
Recommended for grades 3 to 6.
B3 Rocks & Minerals of Illinois
This box contains samples of important rocks, minerals and fossils found in Illinois. Basic Illinois geology is discussed. Illinois is home to some important rocks and minerals used in industry. A section focuses on industrial rocks and minerals. Fossil Facts allow children to learn more about fossils found in Illinois. The box includes hands-on specimens for identification, teacher’s guide, vocabulary and activities. Weight 25 lbs. Recommended for grades 3 to 6.
B4: ISGS Rock Collection
This box contains 35 specimens of rocks and minerals found in Illinois and numbered flashcards with names and descriptions. A Good resource for advanced identification activities. Weight 10 lbs. Recommended for grades 6-12.
B5: Fossils Through Time
Offers a visualization of geologic time with real fossils that existed throughout Earth history. It describes the processes necessary for fossil formation and preservation. Includes: hands-on specimens for identification, teacher’s guide, vocabulary and activities. Weight 28 lbs.
Recommended for grades 3-6
Geology Links
SaveOnEnergy.com Kids Learning Center
Visit Nico the Ninja’s hideout to explore fun activities and learn about energy topics from electrical safety to energy savings!
The American Geological Institute strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. The AGI produces the book Minerals Foundations of Society a great resource for learning how we use minerals in our everyday lives.
U.S. Geological Survey has a website dedicated to K-12 education and lifelong learning. The website includes lesson plans for teachers, georesources and educational materials.
The Illinois State Geological Survey offers information on Illinois geology including teaching materials and field trips.
The Illinois State Museum website “exhibits” section has information on Ice Ages, Mazon Creek fossils and the geology of the Midwest 16,000 years ago.
The Planetary Studies Foundation located in Algonquin, Illinois is dedicated to the study of meteorites and astronomy. PSF offers educational programs and observatory tours for children.
www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/index2.html
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has a section of their website dedicated to dinosaurs with various activities available.
http://www.rogersgroupincint.com/IndustryResources/Rockology101Learning/tabid/83/Default.aspx
The Rogers Group an Indiana crushed rock producer offers a look at quarry mining and includes information on minerals and experiments to try at home. Click on “Industry Resources,” then explore “rockology.”
PBS: NOVA has a website on volcanoes of Hawaii see how they were formed and how geologists monitor them.
