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=Mighty Minerals= =Grade level: 7 - 8.=
 * Teacher:** Maria Rodriguez


 * Purpose:** To investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of the minerals and their uses.
 * Goals:** Students will be able to perform basic identification tests to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. In addition, students will visit the Museum of Natural History and identify important uses of common minerals.

S3d: The student produces evidence that demonstrates understanding of natural resource management. S3a: The student produces evidence that demonstrates understanding of structure of the Earth system. S6b: Record and stores data using a variety of formats. S6d: Acquires information from multiple sources such as print, the intenet, computer data bases, and experimentation. S7a: Represent data and result.
 * Standards:**

1. List the five characteristics of a mineral. 2. Demonstrate the proper procedure for a variety of mineral identification tests (hardness, streak, magnetism, etc.) 3. Identify common minerals based on their apprearance and data collected from identification tests. 4. List important uses for common minerals.
 * Objectives:** As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:


 * Time Required:** 2-3 class periods for each of the two projects.
 * Group Size:** Teams of 2-3 students. The report should be completed individually.

= = Classroom Display of Minerals Access to the ISM Geology Online GeoGallery or mineral photos and information Safety goggles Identification guides (such as Golden Guide: Rocks and Minerals) Copies of the lesson Worksheets: 1. What is a mineral? Worksheet 2. Mineral ID Guide 3. Mineral ID Chart Optional: Ultraviolet lamp.
 * Background:** What is a mineral? Minerals are defined as solid, inorganic substances that occur naturally and have a define atomic structure and chemical composition. Minerals exhibit several properties that are useful for identication. Color, crystal shape, hardness, and luster are a few of the properties that can be used to determine a mineral's identity. During these lessons, students will conduct a lab where they will learn about the five characteristics of a mineral and conduct tests to identify common minerals.
 * Materials:**

Testing set of 10-12 minerals Streak plate Glass plate Steel nail Penny Vinegar (or weak HCl acid) Magnet
 * For Each Group:**

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