Minerals, Rocks and Fossils
In this 4 week course learners will experience firsthand various minerals, rocks and fossils. A basic introduction to geology and encouragement to use powers of observation outdoors. Reference materials will be made available.
Clifton Draper, PhD, Author, Inventor . Educator
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
4 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedAssessment
includedGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
This once a week four weeks, one hour per course focuses on Earth Sciences topics of minerals, rocks, fossils and man's interaction with each. The classes are structured around teacher created stations. A station visits one or more example of minerals, rocks or fossils. Examples that lend themselves to a Zoom imaging examination and conversation during examination. Reals specimens not photographs of. Learners will be challenged to think about answers to questions. For example how did early native American Indian tribes manage to make these tiny holes in these very small rocks to produce this necklace. No electricity, no drills like we have today. How did they manage this? Before the Internet made searching for such answers so straightforward students used to come up with some pretty wild answers. I miss those laughs.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how minerals and rocks in particular were used over the centuries to help humans improve their well-being. Mica was used for early windows. Pyrite was the first form of iron used to make fires via "strike and spark"
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Minerals Survey Through Stations
A "station" features one or more minerals, their properties, uses, interesting historical reference. For example pyrite is credited with being the first "metal" used for strike and spark fire creation and everyone knows why it is also called "fool's gold.
" 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Rocks: from human's first weapons to Roman roads across the world to moon rocks.
More "stations" feature common and unusual rocks. Learners will bring to class rocks they collected outdoors. If you look patiently you can almost always find a rock shaped like a heart. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Fossils: visible evidence of prehistoric times a window to our deep past.
More stations featuring plant and animal fossils. Bones, them bones them dry bones... 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Where man meets minerals, rocks and fossils
These stations feature open-ended questions for learners to ponder and volunteer answers for. For example - Early American Indian tribes had no electricity or metal drills like we use today to make small holes in hard materials. How do you think these Indians managed to make the holes in these stones to fashion necklaces and other jewelry? 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2024
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Hands On Science, Math, Music and Art are my specialties. I worked as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at Bell Labs; the R&D arm of the once Bell Telephone System. After retiring early from Bell Labs I pursued my interest in becoming an elementary school teacher in NJ focusing on science and math for grades K - 6. I have teaching certifications in both NJ and VA. Now retired yet again I look forward to using hands on learning with "stuff" I have accumulated over the decades to engage and entertain. I have been accused by many parents of having been a game show host in a previous life. It isn't worth doing if it isn't fun. My motto.Reviews
Live Group Course
$10
weekly or $40 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-4 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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