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Why does this rock look like a sponge

From Mystery Doug

Why does this rock look like a sponge
6 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why does this rock look like a sponge" -- and follows the clues. That holey rock is pumice -- it cooled from frothy volcano lava so fast that gas bubbles got trapped inside. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why does this rock look like a sponge"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about pumice, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: pumice, volcano, bubbles.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Why does this rock look like a sponge" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.