As they explore some of the best mineral sites on the web, they will discover the variety of minerals in the world around them. Sites for internet lessons are available on Earth Science and Weather pages of the Kid Zone . This quick and easy activity introduces students to the world of dichotomous keys.
Keys are available for a wide range of items, from trees to insects.
I use this activity to teach students how to use a dichotomous key before they attempt, Mineral Match , my mineral identification lab, which uses a key created specifically for my mineral sets. 12.E.3a An easy and tasty way to illustrate plate tectonics is using candy bars, such as Snickers or Milky Way. They should notice the plates colliding and possible see one slide over the top of another. 12.E. 3a Students develop an understanding for contour lines and contour intervals as they build their own topographic map. This quick activity, which consists of two sections, can be done in one class period.