A Presentation By Dr. Tatyana Simmers For NSTA
Baltimore, MD
Instructional Rationale:
Instructional objectives:
During this assignment students will work in class to identify their group of minerals and their chemical
composition. They will assess and report how they developed. In addition to the general science
content of this assignment, students will utilize and facilitate their computer skills. The students will be
presenting the assignment in front of the class and defend their position.
State Standards:
S8.D.1 Earth Features and Processes that Change Earth and Its Resources
S8.D.1.1 Describe constructive and destructive natural processes that form different geological
structures and resources.
Reference: 3.5.7.A, 4.4.7.B
S8.D.1.1.1 Explain the rock cycle as changes in the solid earth and rock types (igneous-granite, basalt,
obsidian, pumice; sedimentary-limestone, sandstone, shale, coal; and metamorphic-slate, quartzite,
marble, gneiss)
Content statement:
This is a project for the mid-unit assessment for the minerals and rock cycle unit lesson plan. The
students will have a chance to pick different group of minerals and explain its origins, chemical
composition and formation of the mineral. This assignment will reinforce knowledge about rock cycle,
knowledge of different types of minerals as well as research skills’
Challenges:
In case of the library will not be available students can start their research by using books and reference
materials available in the classroom and library with follow up visit in the computer room to complete
the project. In case of power outage students can start on a project by discussing the types of mineral
they will be using till the power will go back on line.
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Student Handout:
Description:
For this project you will need to pick a group of minerals from the following list and research them.
You will need to know that is the chemical structure of this element, how it was formed and some
interesting fact you found out about this mineral. You will need to convince your friends in class that you
mineral is very unique and have a video about it attached to your poster .You will be presenting in front
of you class to convince you friends that this mineral is unique and tell something very special about it.
Please pick from the followed list:
Mineral Classification | Classified by Chemical Composition
Color in Crystals | Refractive Index | Crystalline Structure | Crystal Forms | Mohs Scale
Mineral Classification
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a quantifiable
chemical composition and a crystalline structure. For a substance to be
classified as a mineral, it must be a solid (non-liquid). In addition to having a
crystal structure. The term "mineral" refers to both a material's chemical
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composition, and its structure. The term "rock" should not be confused with
the term "mineral." A rock is an aggregate amalgamation of one or more
minerals, and can also contain organic substances. A rock can be composed
of only one mineral or it can contain many minerals.
Substances that are "mineral-like" but don't meet this definition are classified
as "mineraloids." Minerals range in composition from pure elements (carbon
and metals) and simple salts to highly complex silicates (emeralds,
tourmaline, etc.). According to the International Mineralogical Association,
there are currently over 4,000 known minerals, which are categorized
according to chemical composition or "mineral class." There are eight mineral
classes which are categorized by anion (negative ion) group.
This minerals shown on this mineral classification chart are listed in the
approximate order of their abundance within the Earth's crust, starting with
the most abundant "silicate class."
1. Silicate Class
Nesosilicates
Garnet
Peridot - Olivine
Topaz
Zircon
Sorosilicates
Tanzanite - (Zoisite, Epidote)
Cyclosilicates
Beryl
Alexandrite
Aquamarine
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Chrysoberyl
Emerald
Tourmaline
Inosilicates
Jade - (Jadite)
Phyllosilicates
Talc
Tectosilicates (framework silicates)
Amethyst
Citrine
Lazurite (Lapis Lazuli)
Opal (also a mineraloid)
Quartz
2. Carbonate Class
Carbonates with Hydroxyl or Halogen
Azurite
Calcite
Malachite
3. Sulfate Class
Sulfur Oxides
Gypsum
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4. Halide Class
Halogens
Fluorite
5. Oxide Class
Element in (IV) State
Ruby - (Corundum - Aluminium Oxide)
Sapphire - (Corundum - Aluminium Oxide)
Spinel - (Corundum - Aluminium Oxide)
Zirconia (CZ) - (Zirconium Oxide)
6. Sulfide Class
Sulfides
Pyrite
7. Phosphate Class
Phosphate Minerals
Apatite
Turquoise
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8. Element Class
Carbon Group
Diamond
Native (Rare Earth) Metals
Titanium
Gold Group
Gold
Copper
Silver
Platinum Group
Iridium
Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Mineraloids Group
A "mineraloid" is a mineral-like substance that does not demonstrate
crystallinity and who's chemical composition is beyond the accepted ranges
for specific minerals. Pearls contain the mineral "calcium carbonate" but the
structure is bonded together by organic materials. Obsidian is not a "crystal"
but is instead amorphous-glass. Amber is a heterogeneous composite with a
"gem-like" appearance, but consists of resinous bodies that are soluble in
alcohol.
Non-Crystalline Minerals
Amber
Obsidian
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Opal
Pearl
Step by step :
1. Research your mineral to find out there this mineral come from,
how it was formed, that is chemical composition and interesting
facts about your mineral. Make sure you are convincing.
2. Go to the webpage
http://drsimmers.edu.glogster.com/glog
3. Use the names (list of user names included),just log in and start
your presentation.
4. Look at my example on my blog DRT’S Crystals for the ideas
5. See the tutorial video on Glogster
6. http://glogster.edu.glogster.com/excel-impert-tool/
7.
Ask for help if you are not sure
After you done with your Glogster presentation, sign up for the date of class
presentation.
Grading guidelines: Students will be presenting this project as a group project
in class. This is a 100 point project. Points will be given for presentation,
creativity, completion, and accuracy of presentation. ( See attached Rubric)
Student list: Just click on your account!
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