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Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Mineral Formation: Evaporating Lake

For Students 9th - 12th
Get crazy for crystals! Junior geologists learn the secrets of crystal formation through lecture, reading, and examples. Other topics include common ionic compounds found in fresh and salt water, the effects of location on forming...
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Unit Plan
Curated OER

Rock On! Featuring the Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Trio!

For Teachers 1st - 3rd Standards
Get your classroom rocking with this four-lesson earth science unit. Through a series of shared reading activities and hands-on investigations, young geologists learn about the three types of rocks and the unique properties of each.
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Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

Rocks and Minerals

For Teachers 4th - 7th Standards
Take young geologists on an exploration of the collection of rocks and minerals that we call Earth with an upper-elementary science lesson. Through a series of class discussion and hands-on investigations, students learn about the three...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gems in the Market Today

For Teachers 7th - 12th
A gem of a instructional activity! Analyze what makes stones valuable and their aesthetic value. Young gemologists use the Internet to choose what stone they are interested in and then write an advertisement.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Germs Can Make You Sick

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore how germs are spread. In this science lesson, students practice good hand washing practices and discuss how washing hands can prevent the spread of germs.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Gemstones Video

For Students 7th - 9th
In this gemstones worksheet, students answer sixteen questions from the video about gemstones. Questions include the types of gemstones, the colors of gemstones and the meaning of gemstones and birthstones.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Common Gemstones and Fossils

For Teachers 4th
In this science worksheet, 4th graders respond to questions pertaining to gems and fossils. Students answer ten questions which give clues and visual aids to assist in answering.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Gems

For Students 6th - 8th
In this science worksheet, students find the words that related to gem stones and the answers are found at the bottom of the page.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trading in Gems

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students receive a bag of common gemstones. Without knowing gem names or value, students trade with each other as they desire. They choose one gem from their bags to keep. They discuss the name, value and characteristics of each gem.
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Website
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Geo Physics: Minerals

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a resource for students to use in their study of minerals. It begins with a general description that includes the list of essential characteristics of a "mineral." Minerals are then grouped alphabetically. Selecting a name...
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Website
PBS

Pbs: The Notorious Hope Diamond

For Students 9th - 10th
A great site about the history, and alleged curses, behind The Hope Diamond. Pictures of its various owners throughout history, and even a timeline of the diamond's existence. Very interesting! Be sure to use the "Education," link on the...
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Website
Other

The image.com: Gem Gallery

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn all about gemstones at this site. Here you can view gem images and read the very detailed descriptions and general information facts pertaining to select gems.
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Activity
Other

George Bernard Shaw/ Life and Excerpts From Works

For Students 9th - 10th
The biography may be brief, but the selections from his works are, as one is entitled, "Gems." The excerpts deal with subjects like education ("Always argue with the teacher."), love and children, marriage and divorce, and a compilation...
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: Department of Mineral Sciences Collections

For Students 9th - 10th
A searchable database of minerals and gems. Search by keyword or pre-defined characteristics. A Help section is available as well for aid in searching.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: Department of Mineral Sciences

For Students 9th - 10th
Useful interface and gateway into the research collections of the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Find information, image galleries, exhibits, specimens, and related resources about...
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Burma (Myanmar): Economy

For Students 9th - 10th
The story of the economy of Burma is one of potential, but because of governmental mismangagement, there is no development of that potential. Read about the possibilities and realities of the Burmese economy based on information from the...
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Website
Other

Houston Museum of Natural History

For Students 9th - 10th
This site has links to all aspects of the Houston Museum of Natural History.
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Activity
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Renaissance: Exploration and Trade

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Detailed introduction on exploration and trade during the Renaissance. Provides an overview of the tools created during the Middle Ages that made such travels by sea possible as well as insight into the types of goods traders sought in...
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Website
Other

Alexandrite Tsarstone Collectors Guide

For Students 9th - 10th
Online guide for people interested in the history and valuation of alexandrite gemstones and jewelry.
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Handout
Florida State University

Florida State University: Molecular Expressions: Birthstone Collections

For Students 9th - 10th
This birthstone resource presents a brief description of each birthstone, a link to more information and a photomicrograph of the gem.
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Website
US Geological Survey

Usgs: Production of Specific u.s. Gemstones

For Students 9th - 10th
Photos of the principal gemstones produced in the United States, including an introduction to historical and other background information for each one.
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Handout
US Geological Survey

U.s. Geological Survey: Gemstones

For Students 9th - 10th
Publication explores specific gemstones and the U.S. states where they are produced.
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Activity
The Field Museum

Field Museum: Pearls Exhibition

For Students 9th - 10th
Highlights from a past Field Museum exhibition on pearls. You'll learn how pearls are made and how scientists and pearl farmers are working to conserve them.
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Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Minerals in Our Environment

For Students Pre-K - 1st
What minerals are in your toothpaste? A pencil? A telephone? This interactive resource adapted from the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the variety of minerals used in everyday items found in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and yards.