Minerals
Teacher Candidate: Margaret Carlson
Date: November 9, 2014
Grade and Topic: 7th Grade Science
Length of Lesson: 2 days
Mentor Teacher: Peggy Murdock and Marla Phillips
School: The University of Memphis
Unit Objective: This lesson plan is part of a unit plan on the Earth
Lesson Objective: Using digital presentation software, students will display the
properties of a specific mineral with at least 7 slides.
Student Participation: The goal of this lesson is for students to correctly identify
various properties of a mineral of their choosing. This includes distinguishing the color,
luster, streak, cleavage and fracture, hardness and density of a specific mineral. The must
present their findings to the class using digital presentation program.
Standards Addressed:
State Standards:
Standard 7: The Earth
0707.7.1: Describe the physical properties of minerals.
ISTE Standards:
Communication and Collaboration: B. Communicate information and ideas effectively to
multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
Materials:
Computer with digital presentation program
Textbook
Internet access for: www.geology.com/minerals and
http://www.kidsloverocks.com/html/physical_properties_of_mineral.html
Think Sheet
Pencil
Technology Integration
The digital presentation program will allow students to organize and present their
findings of a specific mineral. Students will also use www.geology.com/minerals and
http://www.kidsloverocks.com/html/physical_properties_of_mineral.html to learn about
the different properties of minerals.
Background and Rationale:
- Student will have a clear understanding of the different properties of minerals.
- Key terms such as color, luster streak, cleavage and fracture, hardness and density
will be presented.
- Students must have a basic knowledge of rocks versus minerals to complete this
lesson.
Minerals
-
I am aware that modifications will be made for students who did not master the
objectives and for those ready for enrichment. However, modifications are not
covered in this course and are not part of this particular lesson.
Procedures and Timeline:
Introduction: Imagine you are walking to school one day and drop your books, you look
down to pick them up and notice something beautiful on the ground. You are sure this is
a mineral, but are not sure of which one. You must evaluate the mineral using the various
properties of minerals to determine what it is. Use the digital presentation program to
present to your class what type of mineral you found.
Procedures:
Prior to the computer: (20 minutes)
Read excerpt from text on minerals versus rocks and the various properties of minerals.
Pass out Think Sheet and allow students to review the sheet.
At the computer Day 1: (30 minutes)
Teacher:
1. Assign each student to a computer
2. Remind students of appropriate websites to use
3. Review aspects of the digital presentation program
4. Be available for assistance
Students:
1. Open internet and presentation program
2. Go to Kids Love Rocks website
3. Review general properties of minerals
4. Fill out questions on Think Sheet
5. Go to Geology website
6. Choose a specific mineral to present
7. Complete chart on Think Sheet
8. Open presentation program and begin creating a template if you have spare
time
9. Save work
Day 2: At the Computer (40 minutes)
Teacher:
1. Tell students to return to assigned computer
2. Be available for assistance
Students:
1. Finish Think Sheet Chart
2. Open presentation program and create template
3. Use 7 slides to describe specific information about the mineral
4. Add graphic of mineral
5. Save work
After the computer: (10 minutes)
Minerals
Teacher:
1. Ask students to return to their seats
2. Ask one student to present their project on the projector
3. Continue presentations the following day
4. Evaluate and grade presentations
Students:
1. Return to seats
2. Listen to and present projects
Closure:
Allow each student to present the project to the class and evaluate effectiveness of
presentation. Teacher will grade presentations and correct as needed.
Assessment Evidence:
Category
Properties
Presentation
Accuracy
Exceeds
Expectations
All 6 properties of
the element are
presented
Presentation is
creative, has clear
format, and has at
least 7 slides.
100% accuracy on
all properties for the
specific mineral
Proficient
Unsatisfactory
4-5 properties are
presented
<3 properties are
presented
Presentation has 7
slides, but
information is not
presented in a clear
manner
75% accuracy on
properties
Presentation has <7
slides and format is
difficult to
understand and
follow.
<50% accuracy on
properties
Modifications:
I am aware that modifications will be made for students who did not master the
objectives and for those ready for enrichment. However, modifications are not covered in
this course and are not part of this particular lesson.
Minerals
Think Sheet
Using your textbook and the Kids Love Rocks website, define the following:
- Luster – the way a mineral looks when light is on it – two types metallic or
nonmetallic
- Streak – color of a mineral in powder form, you must scrape it against a porcelain
plate to see the streak
- Cleavage and Fracture – describes how a mineral can break into different pieces
(cubic, octahedral)
- Hardness – Ability to handle a scratch – measure using Mohs scale of 0-10 (0 is
soft and 10 is hard)
What is the difference between rocks and minerals?
Rocks are made up of 2 or more minerals. Minerals are made of one single substance.
Choose a mineral for your project, and use the chart below to help you with your
presentation:
Mineral
Color
Luster
Streak
Cleavage and Fracture
Hardness
Special Properties
Diamond
Can vary from black to colorless
Adamantine
White
Octahedral
Mohs Scale - 10
Commonly black, hardest mineral, sold
based on carat (weight)