Curated OER
Minerals of The Earth's Crust
In this earth science worksheet, students find the vocabulary words related to minerals by unscrambling the letters. They also complete other word puzzles.
Curated OER
Mineral Mania
In this mineral learning exercise, students use an on line source to answer questions about minerals, about resources and their uses, about fireworks and about birthstones.
Curated OER
Geology- Gemstones, Fossils and Rocks Quiz
In this earth science quiz worksheet, students answer 10 fill-in-the-blank questions about gemstones, fossils, and rocks. They see pictures of rocks, minerals, and a dinosaur fossil on the page. They check their answers with the word...
Curated OER
Strong Chemistry
Students research and create a poster about a gemstone. In this mineral properties lesson, students view a video about diamonds. They discuss the properties of minerals and choose a gemstone to research and create a poster.
Curated OER
Classifying Rocks
Third graders classify rocks. In this rocks and minerals lesson, 3rd graders observe, make inferences and conclusions about rocks, minerals, soil and fossils.
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.
Curated OER
Grow an Alum Crystal
What an exciting lab experiment to conduct with your high school chemistry class! Crystals are formed naturally in the environment. However, allow your blossoming chemists to create their own unique crystals using alum and...
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
Performing Well Under Pressure
Students study the physical properties of minerals and illustrate their functions. In this mineral instructional activity students construct models of some minerals.
Curated OER
Rock Star Centers
Young scholars complete a Rock Star Journal while studying the properties of their rock. They choose their own rock star, and then they are going to learn everything they can about their rock star.
Curated OER
Nature's Polyhedrons
Students discover the characteristics of polyhedra. Through hands-on activities and interactive videos, students investigate and retrieve information on polyhedra and crystal structures. Students study angles and symmetry. They...
Curated OER
Rock Star Centers
Second graders explore the properties of rocks. Through center activities, 2nd graders complete an analysis of a rock of their choice. They identify several elements of their rock as well as complete a rendering of their rock in their...
Curated OER
Glaciers Worksheet #1
The landscape impacted by glacier activity is drawn at the top of this worksheet. Ten multiple choice questions follow, some relating to the diagram, and some about the quality of soil left by glaciation. It is not often that you come...
Curated OER
Science Quiz: Earth Quiz
In this earth science quiz activity, students respond to 20 short answer and true or false questions regarding earth science topics.
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Gemstones
Publication explores specific gemstones and the U.S. states where they are produced.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Minerals, Crystals, and Gems
Through this series of three lessons, students will gain an understanding of the basics of mineral science. In their investigation they will also work through the scientific process as they practice their observation skills, form...
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.
Jewelry Central
Jewelry Central: Gemstones
This commercial site contains general information on various synthetic and natural gemstones and provides links to specific gems.
Amethyst Galleries
Amethyst Galleries: Mineral Gallery: The Garnet Group of Minerals
This site gives information of the physical and chemical characteristics of all the different kinds of minerals in the garnet group.
Other
Permanent: Lunar Materials: Other Minerals
This site provides information on minerals found on the moon. (PERMANENT stands for Projects to Employ Resources of the Moon and Asteroids Near Earth in the Near Term.)
San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum: Mineral Matters: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked rock and mineral questions are answered and illustrated.
Amethyst Galleries
Amethyst Galleries: Mineral Gallery:
This site gives is an entry portal to information on gems and gemstones, including pictures of specimens and details on their physical properties and where they can be found.
Amethyst Galleries
Amethyst Galleries: Mineral Gallery: Opal
This resource provides general information on opal, including color, hardness, uses, and pictures.
Amethyst Galleries
Amethyst Galleries: Mineral Gallery: Jade
This resource has general information on jade, and provides a physical description.