Curated OER
Quartz
In this quartz worksheet, students read about the chemical structure and properties of quartz and its commercial applications. Then, students complete 7 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Observing Rocks
Fifth graders explore the various properties of earth and rocks. They play "Twenty Questions" with the teacher, and analyze a rock using a magnifying glass. They record their rock observations and list the differences between the wet...
Curated OER
Moh's Scale of Hardness
Students investigate how to use Moh's Hardness Scale. For this geology lesson, students examine several minerals and develop a hypothesis about which mineral is the hardest. Students use the Moh's Scale Identification Chart to determine...
Curated OER
Mighty Minerals-We Use Them Everyday
Third graders investigate the importance of knowing about rocks and minerals. They study the way in which many products are produced from rocks and minerals. Students are shown how we obtain many of the rocks and minerals we use.
Curated OER
Minerals And Their Uses
For this minerals worksheet, students will review the four physical characteristics used to identify a mineral: streak, color, size, and hardness. Students will also understand the Mohs Hardness Scale. This worksheet has thirteen short...
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
Classifying Rocks and Minerals
Students identify rock types by observing key characteristics. Describe the differences between minerals and rocks. Observe rocks using a magnifying glass and draw shapes and colors of the minerals.
Curated OER
Bubble, Bubble, Soil and Fun!
Fifth graders experiment to find the physical properties and commercial uses of the mineral talc. They create a soapstone sculpture and a rubric for the creation.
Curated OER
Quantitative Determination of the Composition of Water-based Paints and the Correlation of Paint Properties to Pain Composition
Students perform a series of tests on water-based paints. In this chemistry instructional activity, students identify their different functions. They calculate paint density and fractional concentrations.
American Chemical Society
Can Liquids Dissolve in Water?
How does food coloring work? Classes watch a demonstration showing liquids dissolving in liquids. In groups, they then explore the ability of other liquids to dissolve in water (alcohol, mineral oil, and corn syrup) by setting up and...
Curated OER
Volcanoes: Third Grade Lessons Plans and Activities
Discover how rocks are formed from volcanoes during a geology pre-lab activity. Third graders describe the volcanic rock samples and creating a model of Mt. Lassen, located in California. The lesson culminates in a discussion about how...
Scholastic
Study Jams! Earthquakes
Have a seismic moment with your class as you show this animated video on earthquakes. Viewers find that quakes occur on faults and are caused by shifting of continental plates. They learn what properties are studied by seismologists and...
Curated OER
Rocks on Parade!
Third graders describe and classify rock samples. In this rock lesson plan, 3rd graders make inferences about rock samples by observing and measuring them. This lesson plan contains 5 different stations for the students to go to.
Curated OER
Vitamin C and Protein Analysis
Students analyze various beverages to determine vitamin C content. Students research diseases resulting from vitamin C deficiencies and identify countries most affected.
Curated OER
Density - An Introduction
Students experiment with objects of different densities. In this density lesson, students examine same-sized objects with different weights, then look at a teacher explanation of density. Students make wave bottles and a density jar to...
Curated OER
Jeopardy 8th Grade (Science)
There are so many topics touched upon in this Jeopardy-style science game, that it is difficult to classify! The categories include electricity, matter, ecology, earth and space, and scientific investigation. This would best be used at...
Curated OER
Mineralogy, Astronomy, & Ancient Wisdom
Students complete a variety of activities surrounding minerals, crystals, and mineralogy. They locate common minerals on a world map, complete a lab in which they identify the chemical and physical properties of various minerals, etc.
Curated OER
This is Your Rock, This is My Rock
Fourth graders review the types of rocks and minerals they see in photographs. Individually, they are shown a sample of rocks or minerals and classify them based on their characteristics. They give their observations to another...
Curated OER
Sediment Sleuths
Are you looking for a good, solid lesson on sedimentary rocks? This one, produced by the Illinois State Museum, is just such a lesson. Middle schoolers identify common rocks and minerals by analyzing sediments from local water sources....
Normal Community High School
Density
Change the density of water by adding minerals. The presentation discusses density—from the definition to calculations—and applies it to the real world. It briefly mentions specific gravity, and finishes by showing Archimedes' principle.
Curated OER
Name that Natural Resource
Students discuss natural resources. In this science lesson, students understand that physical properties can be used to identify minerals and complete the chart each day working alone or in a small group.
Curated OER
Is It Grown or Mined?
Students are introduced to how to identify various minerals. In groups, they compare and contrast raw materials that were grown and mined. They discuss their views on mining and identify the ore minerals and their purpose to end the...
Curated OER
Rock Cycle SIOP Unit
Pupils collect rocks, identify them, classify them, investigate their properties, and more. In this rocks lesson plan, students also experiment with soil and erosion and weather.