Curated OER
Rocks, Minerals, and Erosion
Fourth graders describe the difference between minerals (composed of the same substance throughout) and rocks (composed of two or more minerals). They recognize that there are three classes of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
Curated OER
Alkaline-Earth Metals
Learners study the importance of alkaline earth metals. In this metals lesson students research the minerals that are essential for human health.Â
Curated OER
Geology Quiz- Common Minerals
In this earth science worksheet, learners determine the name of 10 minerals based on the descriptions given on the page. They see pictures of a number of minerals, and check their answers with the word bank at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
Students identify how weathering and erosion effect the Earth's surface. In this weathering and rocks lesson plan, students study various types of rocks in water and brainstorm ways the Earth's surface changes. Students view an...
Curated OER
Earth Pockets
Students identify the Earth's natural resources. For this Earth science lesson, students read the book The Great Kapok Tree and discuss types of natural resources. Students use categories such as wood, paper, and trees and list items...
Curated OER
Rockin' Minerals
Third graders view a clip of the video Backyard Safari, "Rocks and Minerals," and discuss properties of rocks and minerals. They view and discuss a clip on where rocks and minerals are found.
Curated OER
What are Rocks and Minerals? How can they help us?
Sixth graders investigate the difference between rocks and minerals. They name the three kinds of rocks (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic) and know the differences between them.
Curated OER
Mining Minerals
Students define the properties of minerals and their uses in their world. In this multi-lesson unit, students contribute actively to discussions of mineral mining, mining methods and mine safety. A role play lesson asks students to...
Curated OER
Classification of Minerals
Students identify a specific mineral using Moh's Scale of Hardness. They also conduct research about the mineral looking for factors such as value, abundance ,location, and current uses. The instructional activity integrates technology...
Curated OER
Introduction to Minerals
Students discuss rocks and other earth materials made up of minerals. They identify minerals by means of their more obvious physical properties such as hardness, luster, color, streak, cleavage and fracture. They arrange a given set of...
Curated OER
Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils
Fourth graders do 5 different lab stations to explore rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Curated OER
Exploring Uses of Rocks and Minerals
Students explore the uses of rocks and minerals. They make observations to identify objects from the present and past are made out of rocks.
Curated OER
Minerals vs. Rocks
Fourth graders are introduced to the characteristics of a variety of minerals and rocks. As a class, they are shown rocks and minerals and asked to describe them as a geologist would. They work together to measure and record their...
Curated OER
Makeup-- A Wealth of Minerals
Students examine how a variety of minerals are used in make-up. They discuss the minerals that are found in things like make-up, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste and determine where the minerals come from.
Curated OER
Inside Earth
Students study the makeup of the earth, including the core, the mantle and the crust. They compare the temperatures and thicknesses of each layer. In pairs, they make a model of a cross-section of the earth out of modeling clay.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
Fourth graders participate in a Web quest to Internet sites to learn how to identify minerals, discover the types of minerals present in their homes, and learn about birthstones. Students also keep journals to track new information that...
Curated OER
Keying Rocks
Young geologists learn how to use an identification key in order to classify rocks. The key is designed to help them classify rocks into three types: ignesous, metamorphic, and sediimentary. After an initial teacher-led demonstration,...
Curated OER
NASA Plans Moon Base
Students react to statements about the moon, then read a news article about NASA's plans to build a permanent base on the moon. In this space science and current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and a...
California Academy of Science
What Kind of Geologist Am I?
Transform your class into young geologists as they learn about six different branches of geology. Using the included geology career descriptions and picture cards, learners work in small groups deciding which tools and locations fit...
Curated OER
Mining and Land Reclamation - A Classroom Simulation
Students simulate mining mineral resources using cookies. In this earth science lesson, students analyze the cost and profits in mining. They write a lab report about the activity.
Curated OER
Rockin? Chalk (Integrating science - make own chalk)
Students use plaster of Paris, talc, and cornstarch to create their own chalk. They hypothesize what mixture of ingredients produce the "best" chalk. Students discuss what they think are the characteristics of the "best" chalk.
Curated OER
Classify Rocks
Students classify different types of rocks. In this earth science lesson, students test different rock samples and construct a chart to record observations. They create a concept map that answers essential questions.
Curated OER
Mr. and Mrs. Cress Head
Students explore Earth science by completing a plant art project. In this botany lesson, students utilize tights and soil to create a furry, grassy puppet style animal from cress seeds. Students cut off the excess cress after several...