Unit Overview

Through the use of the skills of observing, classifying, collecting data, interpreting data, and manipulating data, students will investigate the properties of rocks and minerals. Students will observe and test rocks and/or minerals for color, texture, layers, cleavage, streak, reaction with hydrochloric acid, attraction to magnets, and conductivity of electricity.

Scheduling

This unit may take from five to seven weeks to complete depending upon the goals of the teacher and interests of the students. Use of the section called More Ideas may extend the time span of this unit.

Materials to be obtained locally IN ADDITION TO MATERIALS REQUIRED BY INDIVIDUAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES:

Please make one student activity book for each student.

felt tip markers

notebooks

folders

chart paper

penny

paper towels

white copy paper

water

stapler

freezer

glue

scissors

metric rulers

cereal boxes

Caution

Remind students to wash their hands after handling any of the materials in the unit. The hydrochloric acid for this unit should be diluted with water to a ratio of seven parts water to one part hydrochloric acid. Please have students wear rubber gloves when using hydrochloric acid. If hydrochloric acid is exposed to skin or eyes, please wash out immediately with water. Eye safety is essential when working with hydrochloric acid. Safety goggles must be provided, therefore, students should be assigned a pair of goggles to be use throughout the unit. Goggles should not be shared by students due to sanitary reasons.

About the Format

Each learning experience is numbered and titled. Under each title is the objective for the learning experience.

Each learning experience page has two parts. The first part lists materials, preparations, basic skills processes, evaluation strategy, and vocabulary. The evaluation strategy is for the teacher to us when judging the student's understanding of the learning experience.

The second part begins with a "Focus Question" which is typed in italicized print. The purpose of the "Focus Question" is to guide the teacher's instruction toward the main idea of the learning experience. The "Focus Question" is not to be answered by the students. The learning experience includes direction for students, illustrations, and discussion questions. These discussion questions can be used as a basis for class interaction.

For the complete Background Information needed to complete this unit, please refer to the PDF found here. (Please see PDF)