Delta Education, 1994. Each requires about 3 to 4 weeks to complete and includes a teacher's guide and materials for a class of 32 students. In this module students investigate the properties and uses of rocks and minerals and learn about some of the methods geologists use to gather data about the materials that make up the earth.
Students describe minerals in terms of properties such as luster, hardness, and streak color.
They apply their knowledge in inferring some of the mineral constituents of rocks. During the unit, students develop a list of how different rocks and minerals have been used by humans through time. They construct 3-dimensional models of crystals, grow crystals, and take a geological field trip to gather and interpret data on rocks and minerals. The 12 activities in Rocks and Minerals are organized to be completed sequentially over 3 to 4 weeks. Discussion or activity topics include technology, society, science and careers, language arts, mathematics, the arts, social studies, and health.