Curated OER
Sediment Sleuths
Are you looking for a good, solid lesson on sedimentary rocks? This one, produced by the Illinois State Museum, is just such a lesson. Middle schoolers identify common rocks and minerals by analyzing sediments from local water sources....
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Using KidPix
Students discover how to use a software program known as KidPix. They create a slideshow noting the differences between rocks and minerals. They share their slides with the class.
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Exploring Rocks
Students collect and examine rocks. They record information about the rocks they have collected in their notebooks. They compare and contrast different rocks and complete a class chart at the end of the lesson.
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Engineering For The 3 Little Pigs
Students engage in a activity which demonstrates the importance of rocks, soils and minerals in engineering and how using the right material for the right job is important. The students build three different sand castles and test them...
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Gold Fever
Students read the story Gold Fever about the Gold Rush and write journal entries as if they were miners. In this Gold Rush lesson plan, students also pull out rocks from a back, and if they pick a gold one, they have struck it rich!
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Mineralogy, Astronomy, & Ancient Wisdom
Students complete a variety of activities surrounding minerals, crystals, and mineralogy. They locate common minerals on a world map, complete a lab in which they identify the chemical and physical properties of various minerals, etc.
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Tommyknockers
Students explore the folklore of Tommyknockers. They discuss why the Tommyknockers were important to miners. Students make a favorite snack of the Tommyknockers, Cornish pastries.
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Surface Water and Groundwater
Students examine distribution of water and minerals. In this surface and groundwater activity, students conduct an experiment with fresh and salt water making hypothesis and drawing conclusions about minerals.
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Pattern And Design in Nature
Students observe natural objects carefully and note intricate design and structure beyond surface form.
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Exploring Forest Objects
Students explore the forest. In this ecosystems lesson, students rotate through sensory activity centers, brainstorm, and read about temperate forests.
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Making a Soil Separator
Students investigate botany by creating a soil separating device. For this plant life lesson, students identify the needs of plants and how important the right soil is in the growing process. Students define different soil...