Science & Nature
What Stone is This? Identifying Gems and Minerals
In this four day class, your child will learn some tests that can be safely done at home by young people, to help with identification of rocks and minerals. Students will gather materials to create their own identification kit.
Description
If your student is interested in rocks, crystals, gems and minerals, then they will enjoy and benefit from this four day class on identification of rocks and minerals. This class is designed to help students develop skills that will enable them to enjoy a lifelong hobby or begin them on a path to scholarship in the field of science and geology.
Day 1 - Students will learn and review the rock cycle- the three main ways rocks are formed. Students will also learn what to expect in the remainder of the class and receive handouts with information on collecting materials for their personal rock identification kits.
Day 2- Students will learn about and review the MOHs scale of mineral hardness. They will see examples of rocks and minerals being tested using the materials to determine hardness.
Day 3- Students will use household vinegar and see demonstrations using vinegar to test minerals. Other acid tests and their purposes will be discussed and reviewed.
Day 4- Streak tests will be done by students and by the instructor. Students will share and display the kits and materials they have collected .
During the course of the four classes other information will be introduced and discussed and demonstrated, such as use of light, how to use a field guide, tools that are helpful in identifying minerals and gems, and sources of information to be found, will be shared.
Students will be given ample time to ask questions and to share.
Day 1 - Students will learn and review the rock cycle- the three main ways rocks are formed. Students will also learn what to expect in the remainder of the class and receive handouts with information on collecting materials for their personal rock identification kits.
Day 2- Students will learn about and review the MOHs scale of mineral hardness. They will see examples of rocks and minerals being tested using the materials to determine hardness.
Day 3- Students will use household vinegar and see demonstrations using vinegar to test minerals. Other acid tests and their purposes will be discussed and reviewed.
Day 4- Streak tests will be done by students and by the instructor. Students will share and display the kits and materials they have collected .
During the course of the four classes other information will be introduced and discussed and demonstrated, such as use of light, how to use a field guide, tools that are helpful in identifying minerals and gems, and sources of information to be found, will be shared.
Students will be given ample time to ask questions and to share.
Learning Goals
- Students will learn to use 4 tests to help identify rocks and minerals
- Students will collect and develop a rock identification kit
- Students will learn more about how rocks are formed and how that helps to identify them
Outcome
- Students will gain basic knowledge of of the rock cycle
- Students will gain enjoyment and understanding of 4 simple tests to identify rocks and minerals
- Students will learn how to use a field guide to help interpret the information from the tests
- Students will assemble and use a rock identification kit.
Homework
- Homework will consist of assembling materials for the rock ID kit, and bringing materials to class for testing.
Time commitment
- In class time and time it takes to gather materials.
4 times a week
One-Time Class
45 minutes
Class Duration
6 Kids
Maximum Class Size
Ages 7-13
Age Range
0.00 Total
Price Per Learner ()
Class Schedule
Teacher
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Education and have taught for many years. I have loved reading since I read my first chapter book at age seven, so I enjoy teaching book studies. I have always had a passion for science. I love rocks and minerals, plants and herbs, and in general most sciences. I believe children, like myself as interested in the mysterious and the strange. Learning is an adventure. My mission is to make learning fun.
Some of my online courses include book studies for kids from 8 to 15 years; STEM and STEAM classes; preschool classes including phonics, pre-math, pre-language, and story times. I have a very popular series of classes on rocks, minerals, and crystals for ages 8-13. I also teach geography classes. My years as an elementary and as a preschool teacher have prepared me to teach these subjects effectively to a wide range of ages. I taught my first online class in 2004!
I enjoy teaching classes that highlight my own hobbies and interests such as gluten-free cooking, and the mysterious and strange things in life. I can provide a listing of classes I have developed upon request.
I am a passionate teacher with more than forty years of experience teaching preschoolers to adults. I have taught in home-school, preschools, private preschools, and public preschools. I have trained teachers as an adjunct instructor at a community college, and have taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 in public and private schools. I've spent a large part of my career simultaneously holding workshops, and training and mentoring childcare professionals while teaching kids full time. More than 100 childcare professionals have earned a CDA credential under my tutelage. Many more have completed their associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
While my professional experience is extensive, the heart of my passion is kids. I love playing with children to help them learn. Every child has his or her own learning style and as a teacher, I strive to find how best to help children create their own learning.
Some of my online courses include book studies for kids from 8 to 15 years; STEM and STEAM classes; preschool classes including phonics, pre-math, pre-language, and story times. I have a very popular series of classes on rocks, minerals, and crystals for ages 8-13. I also teach geography classes. My years as an elementary and as a preschool teacher have prepared me to teach these subjects effectively to a wide range of ages. I taught my first online class in 2004!
I enjoy teaching classes that highlight my own hobbies and interests such as gluten-free cooking, and the mysterious and strange things in life. I can provide a listing of classes I have developed upon request.
I am a passionate teacher with more than forty years of experience teaching preschoolers to adults. I have taught in home-school, preschools, private preschools, and public preschools. I have trained teachers as an adjunct instructor at a community college, and have taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 in public and private schools. I've spent a large part of my career simultaneously holding workshops, and training and mentoring childcare professionals while teaching kids full time. More than 100 childcare professionals have earned a CDA credential under my tutelage. Many more have completed their associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
While my professional experience is extensive, the heart of my passion is kids. I love playing with children to help them learn. Every child has his or her own learning style and as a teacher, I strive to find how best to help children create their own learning.
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