Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Grow an Alum Crystal

For Teachers 9th - 12th
What an exciting lab experiment to conduct with your high school chemistry class! Crystals are formed naturally in the environment. However, allow your blossoming chemists to create their own unique crystals using alum and...
Lesson Plan
Teach Engineering

Body Full of Crystals

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Your body has lots of crystals, just not any gemstones. The first installment of a three-part unit provides a PowerPoint presentation on crystallization occurring in the human body and about crystallization in general. The resource gives...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature's Polyhedrons

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover the characteristics of polyhedra. Through hands-on activities and interactive videos, students investigate and retrieve information on polyhedra and crystal structures. Students study angles and symmetry. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Strong Chemistry

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars research and create a poster about a gemstone. In this mineral properties lesson plan, students view a video about diamonds. They discuss the properties of minerals and choose a gemstone to research and create a poster.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature's Polyhedrons

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to polyhedrons through using straw models to explore geometric solids and constructing Christmas tree ornaments using Epsom salt crystals. Students will view interactive videos and investigate and retrieve...
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trading in Gems

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners 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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Performing Well Under Pressure

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Young scholars study the physical properties of minerals and illustrate their functions.  In this mineral lesson plan students construct models of some minerals.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Minerals, Crystals, and Gems

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Through this series of three lessons, students will gain an understanding of the basics of mineral science. In their investigation they will also work through the scientific process as they practice their observation skills, form...