Gems and Minerals Across America
In this 10 week course, learners will travel across America searching for its richest gems and minerals and will learn how to find, identify and value these beautiful treasures!
Valerie Kosa
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(147)
What's included
10 live meetings
7 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
All gems are minerals but not all minerals are gems. As we discover the amazing gems and minerals across the United States of America, we will have fun learning about where to find these rich treasures, how to find them and how to identify and determine their value. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, gemologists have many ways to determine their value based on a number of different factors. We will journey to see garnets, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, aquamarine, topaz, opal, jade, gold, silver, petrified wood, and even marble and granite We'll discuss the states that have recognized state gems and we'll discuss our individual birthstones. Each week learners will have the opportunity to share their rock, mineral and gem collections and we will have an activity near the end of class where learners will have the chance to dig for their own beautiful gems and minerals (see materials and supplies section for links to purchase the kit). We will also discuss how to take a raw gem and process it either by natural or other means and make it into beautiful jewelry! Join us for an amazing natural journey throughout the United States! Week 1- What is a gem? What is a mineral? Week 2- How gemologists identify gems Week 3- All About Gold Week 4- All About Sapphires Week 5- All About Diamonds Week 6- All About Emeralds Week 7- All About Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine and Aquamarine Week 8- All About Turquoise, Petrified Wood, Topaz and Opal Week 9- All About Granite and Marble Week 10- Finding our Own Gems (Dig Kit Link Provided Below- Choose one of two options)
Learning Goals
Learners will have the opportunity to identify gems and minerals using specific gravity, hardness, luster, color and clarity. Learners will identify the different crystal structures of gems. Learners will learn where to find the different gems that can be publicly mined throughout the U.S. and they will learn the different state gems and birthstones. Learners will practice by digging their own gems using the gem kit purchased in the supply list.
Other Details
Supply List
Learners will need one gem dig kit that can be purchased from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Gemstone-Dig-Kit-Gem-Crystals/dp/B0160JBGRA/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2IG2NUCMRPFDX&keywords=gem%2Bdig%2Bkits%2Bfor%2Bkids%2Bage%2B8-12&qid=1692803267&sprefix=gem%2Bdig%2Bki%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-6&th=1 or through Emerald Hollow Mine https://www.ehmlapidary.com/product-page/1-child-s-variety-bag. These kits are specifically geared for kids and are a lot of fun during our class activity and for years afterwards. The gems and minerals found in the Amazon kit are already polished. The ones from Emerald Hollow Mine are not polished but are still beautiful.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
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Joined March, 2020
4.8
147reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of North Texas
As a music teacher of nearly ten years and as a gem and mineral hobbyist, I have had many unique opportunities to share my passions for art and science over many years. Our family has learned more about gems and minerals through exploration and travel by visiting as many gem mines as we could on our 2.5 year journey across the U.S. and Canada in our RV. We found many precious and semi-precious gems and learned from prospectors and miners who had laid claim in the 1840's. I studied geology in both high school and at the University of North Texas; however, the experiential learning gained from my travels has given me a new perspective and understanding of how rich our country is when it comes to natural resources. Taking the gems we have found and having them polished and made into jewelry has been another learning experience and meeting the gemologists who work on these lovely gem stones has given me a wealth of knowledge and understanding. From coast to coast, gems and minerals are everywhere and are available to us for learning and enjoying for years to come. Reviews
Live Group Class
$160
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
45 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
8-15 learners per class
This class is no longer offered
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