Pupils' natural questioning attitudes lead them to discovery in a learning center, in contrast to the lecture method, by which information is forced on students regardless of their interests. This paper describes learning experiences built around rocks. Materials placed in a rock center (rocks, stones, pebbles, magnifying glasses hammers, and materials to scratch and be scratched) encourage students to explore. Students work at the level of their ability and understanding, but each can find some activity that will help them learn about rocks. The processes of learning, however, go beyond initial stimulus and response. After preliminary experiences with the specimens, students proceed to enrich the materials and expand the activities of the center, gathering books and source materials, collecting rock samples, investigating the composition of stone buildings, examining dam construction, and studying road building. Many of the student investigations develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects: obviously reading and math, but also earth sciences, history, geography, ecology, and architecture, among others. Stones in language from "stone cold hearts" to "rock and roll," stones as art materials, and the language of geology are corollary studies. Any simple subject approached as a discovery experience can serve as a springboard to multi-faceted learning. (DHP)