Identifying Rocks

http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/a/Rock-Tables.htm 

http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/id/rock_key.htm

 

Identifying Rocks
Identifying rocks are based on observations. Identifying rocks is less critical in some ways than identifying minerals. A dense, gray mineral is either galena or it isn't. On the other hand, sandstone can grade into siltstone, limestone into dolostone, gabbro into diorite. If a rock is on the borderline between two types, it's usually not all that critical where you place it to name it.

Models and Simulations: Rocks

Models, simulations, and analogues.

http://stanford.library.usyd.edu.au/archives/spr2009/entries/models-science/#OntWhaMod  

Models are vehicles for learning about the world. Significant parts of scientific investigation are carried out on models rather than on reality itself because by studying a model we can discover features of and ascertain facts about the system the model stands for; in brief, models allow for surrogative reasoning (Swoyer 1991).

For instance, we study the nature of Rocks and Minerals, the dynamics of the rock cycle, or the behavior of elements forming molecules by studying their respective models. This cognitive function of models has been widely acknowledged in the literature, and some even suggest that models give rise to a new style of reasoning, so-called ‘model based reasoning’  This leaves us with the question of  how can we model rocks in the k-12 classroom.

One example, demonstrated by Martha Stewart, shows how to simulate a sedimentary rock.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2012/09/12/cereal-bars-desserts_n_1877348.html

Mineral Identification

http://geology.about.com/od/mineral_ident/ss/beginminident.htm 

Learning mineral identification is like learning to cook. 

• You begin by following step-by-step procedures and looking up a lot of things. But after a while you notice regularities, become familiar with the usual suspects, make some productive mistakes, and get better at it until it becomes easy and fun. 
• Another way mineral identification is like cooking is that professionals can go to school, learn to use expensive equipment and master the subject fully, yet amateurs can handle nearly all the common possibilities using just a few simple tools. 
• The first thing to do is to observe and test your mineral. (Review "What Is a Mineral?" for what exactly a mineral is.) Use the largest piece you can find, and if you have several pieces, make sure sure that they are all the same mineral. Examine your mineral for all of the following properties, writing down the answers. After that you'll be ready to take your information to the right place.

Luster is the way a mineral reflects light and the first key step in mineral identification. Look for luster on a fresh surface. The three major types of luster are metallic, glassy (vitreous) and dull. A luster between metallic and glassy is called adamantine, and a luster between glassy and dull is called resinous or waxy. See the gallery of mineral lusters for some examples and further explanation.

Cookie Mining

http://www.earthsciweek.org/forteachers/cookiemining_cont.html  

Purpose 

The purpose of this activity is to give the player an introduction to the economics of mining. Each player buys "property," purchases the "mining equipment," pays for the "mining operation," and finally pays for the "reclamation." In return, the player receives money for the "ore mined." The object of the game is to develop the mine, safeguard the environment, and make as much money as possible.

The Rock Gardens from Mrs. Stewart

Crystals have been an item of intrigue for thousands of years. Whether admiring them at a jewelers or searching for them in the ground, these shiny wonders of nature draw the attention of young and old. In nature, the amazing objects take millions of years to form in high temperatures and pressures. Now, thanks to the wonders of kitchen chemistry, you can make a veritable crystal garden in your own home. Below are two methods to make beautiful crystals and a brief explanation of how the gardens are formed.
Salt Crystals + Laundry Bluing = Crystal Garden

http://engineering.oregonstate.edu/momentum/k12/june04/index.html

This garden produces very nice, broccoli-like salt crystals from readily available ingredients. They tend to be fragile…but quite beautiful.

Supplies:

• 1 container (per child) – plastic (clear polystyrene) to-go dishes work well
• Several small pieces of porous material to grow on per container – sponges, clay pot pieces, BBQ Briquettes, etc.
• Water
• Ammonia
• Laundry Bluing (such as Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing…careful it stains!)
• Salt
• 1 small paper cup to mix ingredients (Dixie Cup)
• 1 plastic spoon
• Food Coloring (optional)

1. mixing 2 tablespoons of salt with 4 tablespoons of water, stirring to dissolve as much salt as possible.
2. Next add 2 tablespoons each of ammonia and laundry bluing, again mixing as you go. The mixture will be a blue, watery sludge.
3. Pour the sludge, liquid and extra salt, on top of the porous substrate in the plastic dish. Make sure to get all the salt out of the mixing cup and onto the porous items in the plastic dish (Note: If you use a sponge, wet it first abd squeeze dry for better sludge absorbtion).
4. All the salt may not go into solution; this is okay as long as you pour the extra salt on top of the items in the dish. The porous materials in the dish will not immediately soak up all the liquid; this is okay.
5. The crystals will naturally grow white, like the salt. If you want colored crystals, add a drop or two of food coloring on each item in the dish. The crystals will grow that color.