The Adventures of Dr. Time: Visiting Famous Moments in History

This mission lets you become a time traveler, just like Dr. Time! We’ll explore how scientists use clues from the past to understand what happened long ago.

The Big Question

How can we be detectives and learn about history without a time machine?

What You'll Need

• A few different types of rocks or soil (ask a grown-up if you need help collecting them!)
• A magnifying glass (optional, but fun!)
• Paper and pencil

Mission Steps

1. Collect Your Clues. Find 2-3 different rocks or patches of soil. Look closely at them. What colors do you see? Are there different textures?
2. Examine the Evidence. Use your magnifying glass if you have one. Can you see tiny bits inside the rocks or soil? What do they remind you of?
3. Record Your Findings. Draw each rock or soil sample. Write down what you observed. What do you think these clues tell us about where they came from?

Talk About It

• What did you notice about your rocks or soil that was interesting?
• How are looking at rocks like being a history detective?
• If you found a rock with a shell in it, what story might that tell you about the past?

Take It Further

For older rangers, try to find out what kind of rocks you collected. Were they igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic? Research what conditions are needed for each type to form. Knowing this can tell you even more about the ancient environment where the rock was found.

FAQ

Q: I don't have any rocks. What else can I use? A: You can try using different types of sand, or even different kinds of soil from your backyard or a park.

Q: Is looking at rocks really science? A: Absolutely! It's a field called geology, which is all about studying the Earth and its history. Scientists use rocks to learn about everything from ancient oceans to volcanic eruptions.