Rocks and Minerals Hunt

Background Knowledge: Students have been studying rocks and minerals for about a month in science class. They have learned about the three types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) as well as minerals. Students have been working on sketching and describing rocks and minerals by their properties (color, luster, size, shape, hardness and weight).

As a culminating project for this unit, students will work in partners and be given a digital camera. Student pairs will have 2 weeks to gather pictures of rocks and minerals they find interesting around their neighborhoods or surrounding communities. Students can take turns with the camera or go out hunting for rocks together. The pictures taken must be close up and be taken from at least two different angles. Students will use a digital voice recorder to keep a brief record of the rock location as well as a description of its hardness, weight, and other unique characteristics)

After the two weeks are up. Teachers will develop photos. In the classroom, students will begin a hands on research project. Student pairs will choose three rocks they find most interesting. They will first use the chart they are familiar with to describe the rock in detail (stating the color, luster, size, hardness, weight, and shape of the rock). Students will refer to both their digital pictures as well as their voice recorded notes. Next, students will predict what type of rock they think it is and why. Following their prediction, students will use a rock and mineral field guide to try to locate their rock and identify it's name. A teacher may provide help at this step as needed. Once students are able to identify the rock they will research it briefly to find out how it is used in nature and to distinguish if it is an igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock. Pair will repeat steps until three rocks are identified in this manner.