CK-12 Foundation
Mineral Formation: Evaporating Lake
Get crazy for crystals! Junior geologists learn the secrets of crystal formation through lecture, reading, and examples. Other topics include common ionic compounds found in fresh and salt water, the effects of location on forming...
Curated OER
Rock On! Featuring the Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Trio!
Get your classroom rocking with this four-lesson earth science unit. Through a series of shared reading activities and hands-on investigations, young geologists learn about the three types of rocks and the unique properties of each.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
Take young geologists on an exploration of the collection of rocks and minerals that we call Earth with an upper-elementary science instructional activity. Through a series of class discussion and hands-on investigations, students learn...
Curated OER
Gems in the Market Today
A gem of a lesson! Analyze what makes stones valuable and their aesthetic value. Young gemologists use the Internet to choose what stone they are interested in and then write an advertisement.
Curated OER
Germs Can Make You Sick
Learners explore how germs are spread. In this science lesson, students practice good hand washing practices and discuss how washing hands can prevent the spread of germs.
Curated OER
Gemstones Video
In this gemstones worksheet, students answer sixteen questions from the video about gemstones. Questions include the types of gemstones, the colors of gemstones and the meaning of gemstones and birthstones.
Curated OER
Common Gemstones and Fossils
In this science worksheet, 4th graders respond to questions pertaining to gems and fossils. Students answer ten questions which give clues and visual aids to assist in answering.
Curated OER
Gems
In this science instructional activity, students find the words that related to gem stones and the answers are found at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
Trading in Gems
Students receive a bag of common gemstones. Without knowing gem names or value, students trade with each other as they desire. They choose one gem from their bags to keep. They discuss the name, value and characteristics of each gem.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Geo Physics: Minerals
This is a resource for students to use in their study of minerals. It begins with a general description that includes the list of essential characteristics of a "mineral." Minerals are then grouped alphabetically. Selecting a name...
PBS
Pbs: The Notorious Hope Diamond
A great site about the history, and alleged curses, behind The Hope Diamond. Pictures of its various owners throughout history, and even a timeline of the diamond's existence. Very interesting! Be sure to use the "Education," link on the...
Other
The image.com: Gem Gallery
Learn all about gemstones at this site. Here you can view gem images and read the very detailed descriptions and general information facts pertaining to select gems.
Other
George Bernard Shaw/ Life and Excerpts From Works
The biography may be brief, but the selections from his works are, as one is entitled, "Gems." The excerpts deal with subjects like education ("Always argue with the teacher."), love and children, marriage and divorce, and a compilation...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Department of Mineral Sciences Collections
A searchable database of minerals and gems. Search by keyword or pre-defined characteristics. A Help section is available as well for aid in searching.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Department of Mineral Sciences
Useful interface and gateway into the research collections of the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Find information, image galleries, exhibits, specimens, and related resources about...
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Burma (Myanmar): Economy
The story of the economy of Burma is one of potential, but because of governmental mismangagement, there is no development of that potential. Read about the possibilities and realities of the Burmese economy based on information from the...
Other
Houston Museum of Natural History
This site has links to all aspects of the Houston Museum of Natural History.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Renaissance: Exploration and Trade
Detailed introduction on exploration and trade during the Renaissance. Provides an overview of the tools created during the Middle Ages that made such travels by sea possible as well as insight into the types of goods traders sought in...
Other
Alexandrite Tsarstone Collectors Guide
Online guide for people interested in the history and valuation of alexandrite gemstones and jewelry.
Florida State University
Florida State University: Molecular Expressions: Birthstone Collections
This birthstone resource presents a brief description of each birthstone, a link to more information and a photomicrograph of the gem.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Production of Specific u.s. Gemstones
Photos of the principal gemstones produced in the United States, including an introduction to historical and other background information for each one.
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Gemstones
Publication explores specific gemstones and the U.S. states where they are produced.
The Field Museum
Field Museum: Pearls Exhibition
Highlights from a past Field Museum exhibition on pearls. You'll learn how pearls are made and how scientists and pearl farmers are working to conserve them.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Minerals in Our Environment
What minerals are in your toothpaste? A pencil? A telephone? This interactive resource adapted from the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the variety of minerals used in everyday items found in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and yards.