A great fit if they…
Love rocks, crystals, gems or fossils and want to talk about them with other kids who do too.
Science, Nature & Space · Geology Club
Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club
for Ages 8 to 15
A weekly club for rock lovers. Mr. Mark shows real specimens up close, and kids talk minerals with friends who get just as excited as they do.
- Ages
- 8 to 15
- Class size
- 6–8 max
- Format
- Live online · 21 weeks
- Mentor
- Mr. Mark
Show me available times
From $35.20 /week
Course details
Course Overview
Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club at Young Scholars Academy is a live online club for kids ages 8 to 15 who can't walk past an interesting rock. Each week Mr. Mark brings specimens from his collection of hundreds up close on camera, and the group looks, asks questions and talks through what they see. No experience or rock collection is needed.
A club kids asked for
This club started with a few disappointed kids. When Mr. Mark's science class moved on past rocks and crystals, some students didn't want it to end, and about half the class had fallen in love with the topic. They kept asking for a rock and crystal club. Now the rock lovers have a space of their own.
Real specimens, up close
Mr. Mark has hundreds of specimens, and every week he brings some up close on camera. Kids get something concrete to look at, not just pictures in a book. Every term he brings different pieces from his collection, so there is always something new on the table.
The conversation follows their questions
The club runs on discussion. The group looks at a specimen, talks about what they notice and asks the questions that make geology fun. Kids who love to talk get room to share, and kids who prefer to listen can take part through chat. Mr. Mark works well with quiet students and won't put an anxious student on the spot.
Bring your own finds
Students who have their own rocks, crystals or fossils can bring them to share. Over the semester they practice presenting a specimen and answering the group's questions about it.
Ages 8 to 15 · Prerequisites · Who it's for
Is this the right class for my kid?
Start here, or take something first?
Start here. No experience needed. For science beyond rocks, Science Explorers: Conceptual Science with Mr. Mark covers chemistry, astronomy, biology and anatomy.
Can they keep taking it?
Yes. Every term Mr. Mark brings different specimens, and returning students bring what they noticed last term plus any new finds.
New students
No experience and no rock collection needed. Mr. Mark brings the specimens.
Returning students
New specimens each term, and a chance to share their own finds and lead more of the discussion.
Learning outcomes
What will my kid learn this semester?
Rock, mineral or crystal
Tell rocks, minerals and crystals apart and explain what makes each one different.
Describe a specimen
Describe a specimen by what they can observe, like color, shape and shine.
How crystals form
Explain how crystals, gems and fossils form.
Share a specimen
Present a specimen to the group and answer questions about it.
What gets stronger all semester
Track 1
Looking closely
Noticing and naming what they see in a specimen, from color and shape to shine.
Track 2
Rock families
Sorting rocks into igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic, and explaining how each type forms.
Track 3
Talking rocks
Asking good questions, sharing finds and leading a short discussion with the group.
Week-by-week plan
Week by week
Every week: specimens up close on camera, discussion, and a student "rock of the week" share.
Week 1Rock, Mineral or Crystal?
Sort specimens into rocks, minerals and crystals and explain the difference.
Week 2The Mineral ID Toolkit
Use color, streak and luster to describe a mystery specimen.
Week 3How Hard Is It? The Mohs Scale
Rank minerals from talc to diamond and test what scratches what.
Week 4Crystal Shapes
Spot cubes, hexagons and other crystal shapes in real specimens.
Week 5Igneous Rocks
Compare granite and basalt and explain how cooling speed changes crystals.
Week 6Volcanic Glass and Floating Rocks
See how obsidian and pumice form, and why pumice floats.
Week 7Sedimentary Rocks
Read the layers in sandstone, shale and limestone.
Week 8Fossils in Stone
Explain how fossils form and what they tell us about the past.
Week 9Metamorphic Rocks
Compare limestone to marble and shale to slate.
Week 10The Rock Cycle
Trace how one rock can become every other kind.
Week 11The Quartz Family
Compare amethyst, citrine, rose quartz and smoky quartz.
Week 12Feldspars and Micas
Find the minerals that make up most of Earth's crust.
Week 13Calcite and Its Tricks
See double refraction and the fizz test.
Week 14Metals and Ores
Explore pyrite, hematite, magnetite and native copper.
Week 15Gemstones
Learn what makes a gem, with corundum, beryl and garnet.
Week 16Geodes and Agates
Explain how hollow rocks fill with crystals.
Week 17Glow in the Dark: Fluorescent Minerals
See which minerals glow under UV light and why.
Week 18Caves
Explain how caves, stalactites and stalagmites form.
Week 19Rocks From Space
Compare iron and stony meteorites.
Week 20Collector Skills
Label, catalog and display a collection like a geologist.
Week 21Specimen Showcase
Each student presents a specimen and answers questions.
Growth · Progress reports
You'll see the growth every week
What you'll notice at home
On a walk, your child picks up a rock, tells you it's probably sedimentary and explains how the layers got there.
What changes on the inside
They have a weekly place with friends who get just as excited about minerals as they do.
A write-up every week
A short report from Mr. Mark about your child's actual work: what they made, where they shined, what's next.
Materials Needed
- No materials needed. Mr. Mark brings the specimens.
- Optional: rocks, crystals or fossils from home to share with the group.
You'll get this list by email when you enroll, then 1 week, 3 days and 1 day before class starts.
Getting started
What happens after you enroll
1. Your welcome email
Zoom link, Google Classroom link and an add-to-calendar button in one place. Forward it to your child: Young Scholars Academy can't email students directly.
2. Google Classroom
Syllabus, the weekly Zoom link and a way to message Mr. Mark.
3. Every week
A short progress report from Mr. Mark about your child's actual work.
Spring 2027 · Schedule · Tuition
At a glance
Key facts
- Provider
- Young Scholars Academy (WASC-accredited virtual school for gifted or 2e students, ages 5-18)
- Course
- Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club
- Mentor
- Mr. Mark
- Ages
- 8-15
- Format
- Live online small-group class on Zoom, 6 to 8 students max per class (average class: 5 students)
- Class length
- 45 minutes (ages 11-15 section) or 50 minutes (ages 8-12 section), once a week
- Term
- Spring 2027, January 4 to May 28, 2027 (21 weeks)
- Category
- Science, Nature & Space
- Credit option
- No: enrichment only
Spring 2027 sections
| Section | Ages | Day | Time (PT / ET) | Weeks | First class | Mentor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club (45 min) (NEW!) - Mr. Mark - Ages 11-15 - M @ 3 PT | 11-15 | Monday | 3:00-3:45 PM PT / 6:00-6:45 PM ET | 21 | January 4, 2027 | Mr. Mark |
| Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club (NEW!) - Mr. Mark - Ages 8-12 - Su @ 1 PT | 8-12 | Sunday | 1:00-1:50 PM PT / 4:00-4:50 PM ET | 20 | January 10, 2027 | Mr. Mark |
All times Pacific, with Eastern alongside.
Tuition (Spring 2027)
- Ages 11-15, Monday (45 min, 21 weeks): Flex Payment Plan $41.80/week ($877.80 total); Pay Up Front (Save 5%) $39.71/week ($833.91 total).
- Ages 8-12, Sunday (50 min, 20 weeks; last class May 23): Flex Payment Plan $37.05/week ($741.00 total); Pay Up Front (Save 5%) $35.20/week ($704.00 total).
- New Year All-Access Pass (covers 21-week spring classes; pay in full): Bronze $2,797 (4 live courses + Friendship Social Club), Silver $3,597 (5 live courses + 1 free bonus course), Gold $5,797 (8 live courses + 2 free bonus courses). Class switches allowed during the first month (January 4 to February 3, 2027).
- Guarantee: Try It From The Inside. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Not in love? Switch courses (equal or lesser value) or take a credit. Payment plans can also stop future payments after 30 days. Attendance required.
How to enroll
- Course page and enrollment: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/courses/rocks-and-crystals-geology-club
- Free Spring Open House: November 11, 2026, 5 PM PT. RSVP: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/spring-open-house
- Questions: support@youngscholarsacademy.org
Meet Your Mentor
Mr. Mark
Mentor
Science Educator & Neurodivergent Advocate
- Neurodivergent advocate
- Growth mindset specialist
- Science
- STEM
Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club FAQ
Questions parents ask about Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club
Is this a science class or a social club?
Both. Rocks & Crystals: Geology Club at Young Scholars Academy is a social club that stays on rocks, minerals and crystals, with lots of real specimens to look at and discuss.
Does my kid need a rock collection?
No. Mr. Mark has hundreds of specimens and brings them to class. Kids who have their own rocks, crystals or fossils are welcome to share them.
How is this different from Science Explorers?
Science Explorers: Conceptual Science moves through many areas of science over several terms. This club stays with rocks, minerals and crystals, for the kids who didn't want that part to end.
My child is shy. Will they be put on the spot?
No. Mr. Mark works with quiet students and won't put an anxious student on the spot. Kids can join the discussion by chat, and classes are small and camera-optional.
Can my child take it again next term?
Yes. Mr. Mark brings different specimens each term, and the conversation follows the group's questions.
Try It From The Inside Satisfaction Guarantee
The Young Scholars Academy Promise
If you’re not 100% in love with the course, you have options depending on how you enrolled:
Pay In Full Option
You can switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit or get a credit to use toward a future course.
Payment Plan Option
You can either get credit toward a future course, switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit, or stop all future payments after a 30-day processing period.
No risk. No stress. Just the learning and belonging you have been looking for.
We can offer this because we know what we do works for thousands of other families. Kids become more self-confident. They find their people. And families tell us this is the place where their student finally feels welcome. We know it will work for your family, too.
All-Access Passes have separate terms and conditions. Please see the All-Access Pass pages.
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway... to qualify for the satisfaction guarantee policy, you have to actually attend the classes. This is not a cancellation policy. It’s a satisfaction guarantee. You can’t be satisfied or dissatisfied if you don’t attend.
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About Young Scholars Academy
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual village that offers one-of-a-kind, engaging enrichment courses and community for 5-18-year-old bright, quirky kids to empower them to develop their strengths, make like-minded friends, cultivate life skills, build confidence, and feel great about themselves under the loving care of expert mentors. description2: >- Picture a place where your child fits in, is celebrated, mentored, and loves learning the unique content their beautiful brain craves. That happens every day at YSA for over 1,200+ families, and it can happen for your family, too.
WASC Accredited · 1,200+ Families · 93% Re-Enroll · 47+ States, 17 Countries, 6 Continents
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Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a course they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.
Your child is one click from finding out what that feels like.
