Rocks and Minerals

One of my friends is teaching Physical Science, which includes the Rock Cycle.  Kids should study Rocks and Minerals.  I’ve taught Earth Science several times—honestly, not my favorite subject.  But, it’s important.  Kids like to learn how to identify rocks and minerals.  Clemson’s guide is excellent.  It begins by asking if the item is even a rock.  Here’s my tip: have 15 or 20 rocks from a set where they have been identified. Start with these introductory activities: observation of minerals, salt, Epsom salts, table salt, calcium chloride, compare the color of the mineral with its streak,

 Clemson’s guide uses typical tools: iron nail, unglazed tile, a magnifier, a penny, UV flashlight (fluorescence),  vinegar, a magnet, and a piece of glass.  (Here is an elementary introduction.). Here are several fun labs.).  This set has a huge mix of rocks, minerals, geodes, and fossils.  There are several tests to perform: density, (This lab uses density by displacement.), Moh’s harness,  Streak test, luster, cleavage, fracture,  color, magnetism, reaction with acid, striating, odor, and fluorescence.


Here is a good general mineral identification lab.  Here are detailed instructions for the tests. (This is another excellent guide.  It’s a college level guide.). Use a mineral ID flow chart. 


What are we going to do?
1. Use a magnifier to observe the crystal shapes of sugar, table salt, Epsom salt, copper sulfate, and calcium chloride.
2. Take each sample and make observations: color, luster, odor, layers, etc.
3. Test for hardness.
4. Test for streak.
5. Use vinegar to see if any of the rocks bubble.
6. Take the density by displacement.
7. Test with a magnet.
8. Test with a UV flashlight.
9. Use this table and density chart to identify the minerals.
10. Make Epsom salt and alum geodes.
11. Smash geodes.
12.  Collect rocks outside.