Katie Redden
MSED252 Quiz 3
Mineral Lab
Instructions:
Students will spend a period with a box of minerals examining them and getting a feel for
them. The “Mineral Mania” worksheet should be filled out to get a basic idea of various
minerals. Students will research a specific mineral and complete the ‘Mighty Mineral’
worksheet/project as a final evaluation.
Materials:
 Mineral Collection
 Computer Access
 Mineral Kits for testing streak, hardness, etc.
 Coloring supplies (markers, crayons, colored pencils)
Learning Objectives:
The objectives for this are to let the students search the internet, books, etc. as a way to
find the information about minerals on their own for the Mineral Mania worksheet. From this
worksheet the students will learn all about minerals and their common uses. The objective of
Mighty Mineral is to have the students research a mineral more in depth and be creative with
their projects. By the end of the unit the students should be able to know the difference between
common minerals and the definitions of words like streak, hardness, etc.
Procedure:
1. Introduce the students to the mineral collections, let them examine the various different
rocks, minerals and gems.
2. Demonstrate to the students how to use the mineral kits to find information such as streak
or hardness. (the students will have been taught ahead of time the meaning of these
words)
3. Have the students go to the computer lab to complete the “Mineral Mania” worksheet.
(http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzethsci3.html). Note: One class period might not be
enough time to complete the entire worksheet so reserve the lab for two days and have
them finish it at home after that.
4. On Day 2/3 (depending on how long the other worksheet takes) the students will take a
mini identifying quiz where you will set up 8 basic minerals around the room. The
students will number a piece of paper 1-8 and go around and write down what mineral
they believe it to be. (Ex: Galena, Quartz, Muscovite, Agate, Petrified Wood, Corundum,
Calcite, Feldspar, Pyrite, Sulfur)
5. Assign the students the students the “Mighty Mineral” Project as their final assessment
for this unit. Print out a sheet with mineral names on it (enough for one for every student
in the class) and have the children pick out one from a hat so that its fair for everyone.
Once the students have their minerals take them to library/computer lab and let them
research their minerals either through the internet or books. If they don’t finish in the
class period they will need to finish the rest of the project at home. Make sure to tell the
students the deadline .
6. On the day the project is due have the students give a little presentation about their
minerals to show the other students what they have. You could even post the pictures of
the minerals around the room.
Source:
Trimpe, T. "Earth Science Lesson Plans." The Science Spot. 23 Jan. 2008
<http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classearth.html#Anchor-49575>.
Revised by: Kaitlin Redden Northern Michigan University, January 24, 2008.