Learners will have the opportunity to identify where specific gems and minerals are located in the U.S. and how to find them. Learners will discover techniques for seeking out these gems and minerals and will have the opportunity to dig through to find some of these gems by using the purchased kit listed in the materials. Learners will uncover techniques used in gem mining such as panning and sluicing. Learners will discover the people who process these gems and make them into beautiful jewelry through polishing, heat treating, cutting and shaping different gems and minerals. Learners will identify what makes a gem it's particular color and what makes it valuable. 

I have always been interested in beautiful gems and minerals and studied geology both in high school and at the University of Texas. When our family left for a 2.5 year RV trip throughout the U.S. and Canada, while homeschooling our children, we sought out as many gem and mineral mining opportunities as possible. We visited a diamond mine, we panned for gold with an expert miner, we found sapphires and garnets and we found amethyst, quartz and emeralds. We also searched for blue topaz. There are so many places in the United States open to the public to learn and discover these hidden and beautiful specimens and I hope to share what we've learned through a fun and engaging course. 

Homework Offered
Learners will have one worksheet per class to reinforce the topics discussed. 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learners will be assessed through the use of the homework worksheets, through class discussion on the classroom page and through identifying minerals that they find in their gem kit that will be purchased for the class. Learners will share in the classroom section their favorite gem and describe where to find it, how to find it and what is it's value. Learners will also share photos in the class section with their findings from their gem mining kit that they will purchase for the class.
Grades Offered