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| Learning about Luster: Dull, Glassy, Metallic |
Thanks to our generous PAC, we were treated to an excellent in-house field trip by Natural Discoveries. Pete Money, owner and presenter, engaged the students with humor, mineral samples, a video-microscope and 3D visuals.
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| Mineral Samples |
Properties geologists use to determine the mineral type include the following: hardness, density, color, luster, and some other secret properties. Each of these properties were discussed. Examples were given and students had the chance to participate in these scientific investigations.
The first test included 4 samples (a brick, a piece of coral, a rock & a piece of quartz). The group used the definition of a mineral to determine if any of those are minerals.
A mineral is:- a solid
- made by nature
- never alive
- has same elements inside
Another test found a student checking the color of the mineral using a "streak test". A mineral's color can be determined by the color of the residue left behind. Taking the mineral sample and dragging it across a piece of rough tile will show the chemical color of the sample. This was done UNDER the microscope which was then projected onto a video screen for all to see. It showed that although Quartz comes in many colors all the 'streaks' come across as white.
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| Examining Mica! |
This presentation was a great way to get kids excited about Earth Science. Pete said that the best thing about rocks and minerals is that you can find them right outside your door! Don't be surprised if your budding geologists starting bringing home samples!
Your students are so lucky!
ReplyDeleteVince
Thank you. I will say that this program was found and paid for by the Parent Advisory Council. The parents in our school are wonderful as they provide many opportunities for the students. It is through their hard work and efforts that these types of programs are available to us.
DeleteThat was so fun i had a good time it was weird switching classes.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that we were the 'class on the move' so Mr. Money could set up in one class and stay there. It was kind of fun going from room to room to room. The kids all did a great job bringing all your belongings. We might have to try that again sometime! Enjoy your snowy weekend!
DeleteIt was so fun learning about rocks and minerals.It was also fun switching classes.I also loved touching the box turtle and the horseshew crab.
DeleteI like the new look to your blog!
ReplyDeleteThat day was very confusing.
ReplyDeleteMaggie,
DeleteWhich part of the day was confusing? The switching classrooms portion or the presentation of minerals? Curious to find out.
I thought that the presentation was really cool and interesting.
ReplyDeleteMr. Money had the right amount of information and humor mixed in. I loved his visuals.
DeleteI liked when he shined the light on the mineral and it changed color
ReplyDeleteThat really was amazing - seeing the red and green shine was a big surprise. I wish I could remember which minerals those were - I'll have to write to Mr. Money and ask him.
Deletei think that rock was pretty cool it mite be used in glow in the dark paint
DeleteI like moving from class to class and I learned a lot about minerals.
ReplyDeleteMoving from class to class was good - we really had to be organized. I thought we managed well.
DeleteThat rocks and minerals presentation was awesome! I never knew they use the type of mineral kaolinite in a hershey bar.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that either Zach. I thought chocolate could thicken up on its own but that mineral seems to help. Glad you enjoyed the presentation.
DeleteI loved the presentation because Mr.Money made it funny, while we were learning!
ReplyDeleteI really hope we can do something like this again!
(I also liked switching classes all day!)
Maddie,
DeleteHe was rather funny wasn't he? He made all kinds of facial expressions along with his jokes. They all related to the minerals somehow!
Glad you liked the switching of classes too. Nice for a change!
I liked the presentation because it was fun to learn about rocks and minerals and how minerals are used in so many of the things we use today.
ReplyDeleteMeagan,
DeleteI think that is what is most fascinating about minerals - they are used in our everyday items. Where would we be without minerals?
I thought is was great watching you do the 'streak' test under the microscope. Fun!
I'm really bummed that I wasn't there. I'm sure it was awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sad you weren't there too because I know this is something that you would love! Perhaps he'll come back for something else.
DeleteThanks for commenting.
I liked the way you organized the blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vidyut. I really try to plan how I'm going to write it and add pictures - it takes me a little while to figure it out.
DeleteLearning about rocks and minerals was so fun i learned so many things! It was awesome to touch the box turtle and horseshoe crab. Mr. Money was really funny that was a great activity.
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