RockLicker · Specimen Story

Give your find a story with evidence.

Use a specimen, a photograph or a teaching-tray sample. Record what you see, distinguish it from your interpretation, and leave room for a better explanation.

  • Grades 4+ · families and clubs
  • 20 minutes
  • Writing · science process

Notice the difference

Observation: “The pebble has rounded edges and three visible colors.”

Interpretation: “Movement may have worn down its edges.”

Uncertainty: “I do not know where it formed or whether water transported it.”

My specimen record

Example: Schoolyard pebble A. A mineral name is optional.
Use a general locality and date. State whether it was found in place, loose, or from a teaching tray.
Describe two different properties: texture, color, luster, shape, grain size or visible layers.
Record the method and result. If you did not test it, say “not tested” and give a safe next observation.
Use “My current idea is … because …”. Connect the idea to evidence; keep observation separate from interpretation.
Name one uncertainty, another possible explanation or a next source to consult.

Fill in the prompts, then build your story. Notes stay in this open page until you print or carry them to the Journal.

Partner check

  • Can someone else tell which statements were directly observed?
  • Does the working explanation use at least two clues?
  • Is there a question that another observation could help answer?