Exploring and Testing Rocks and Minerals for Beginners

Students will explore the world of rocks and minerals, learning facts about basic rock formation (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) and ways to test and identify select minerals, gems and rocks. 

Please see the syllabus for a weekly breakdown of class topics. 

In this class, students will learn: 
1. How to identify igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks by observing their unique characteristics
2. Memory Tricks to help students remember important information
3. Some identifiable monuments and landmarks that fall into the three main categories of rock.
4. Become familiar with and use some basic and safe rock identification tests and tools: 
            MOHS Scale of Hardness, 
            field guides, 
            streak tests, 
            acid test,
            location maps and more 
5. Observe select gemstones for specific identifying characteristics 
6. Collect, and construct a rock and mineral identification kit for personal use in identifying rocks, minerals and gems. 
7. Discuss and ask questions about specific gems and minerals
Class Activities: 

Each week's class content will vary but may include reading materials, YouTube videos to watch, teacher created instructional videos, a short quiz to review class learning goals, and required comments on the discussion questions in the classroom. 
 Students are encouraged to post pictures of their own rocks, gems or minerals and to comment on each other's specimens and test outcomes. 

Class Project: 
1. Each student will compile an identification kit using the lists provided in the classroom handouts as a guide. 
2. Students will share sources for finding and obtaining materials for the kit in the classroom discussion group. 
3. Students will post pictures of their components and what they will house their materials in. 

Teacher Interaction: 
1. Posted teacher videos 
2. Weekly comments on student contributions in the classroom and discussion groups 
3. Graded quizzes 
4. Weekly posting in the classroom explaining the week's assignments and expectations
5. The teacher will post responses to student questions and assignments on Mondays,
    unless otherwise noted in a classroom announcement.

Student Interaction and expectations:  
1. Students are expected to comment on each other students' posts and contributions. 
2. Students are expected to share pictures or video specimens of rocks, minerals and gems. 
3. Students are expected to post and share sources for collecting required elements of the identification kits. 
4. Students are expected to respond to teacher led questions and discussions. 
5. Students are expected to complete all lessons and the final project. 

Evaluation:
Students will be provided a rubric, in the classroom, at the first class.  This rubric will be used by the teacher to evaluate students' participation, completion and understanding of class requirements and activities.