Sedimentary rocks, formed by an accumulation of sediments (tiny pieces of rocks or minerals) in a water environment, tell a story that many students may be familiar with. They may have visited areas where water or wind carried sediments and deposited them in rivers, lakes, oceans, or dunes. The rocks are often visually or texturally interesting and may have the added attraction of containing fossils. We can understand the stories rocks tell more easily if we have experience with the materials that make up a rock. This article offers suggestions on how to experience these rock materials.