Rocks and Minerals

The National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institute
10th Street and Constitution Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20560
(202)357-2700
(202) 357-2747 (Education Department)

Instructional Unit:
The class will have studied the unit on rocks and minerals in their science class.The museum visit to the Museum of Natural History will be the culmination of a unit taught on rocks and minerals in the science class.

Curriculum Unit:
Grade 7, 8, 9, M.M.R, L.D., E.D.
Science

Objectives:
1. Students will name the three main kinds of rocks.
2. Students will classify a group of rocks according to kind.
3. Students will define difference between rock and mineral.

Pre-Visit Activities:
1. Introduce unit on rocks and minerals.
2. A four week study following the scope and sequence in the science text.
3. Rocks and mineral science kit will be used to do experiments, classify rocks and understand rock formation.

4. Teacher will:

a . Visit Museum of Natural History to view rock and mineral display prior to class trip.
b . Write for pre-visit loan packet, arrange for guide, auditorium on site and discuss levels of instruction with museum personnel.

5. Students will:

a .Complete chapter on rocks and minerals in text.
b. View filmstrips and videos on the subject.
c. Read books on the subject.
d. Use rock and mineral kit.
e. Begin individual rock collections.
f. Appoint a class photographer and reporter.

On-Site Activities:
Guide will explain what will be seen and students will orally review the types of rocks and how they are formed.

Follow Up Activities:
1. Students will meet in the auditorium after the tour to discuss what was seen and ask questions.
2. Back at school, students will write paragraphs describing trip.
3. Class will grow crystal with crystal growing kit.
4. A scrapbook will be compiled using literature from the museum and photos taken by class photographer.
5. Given a group of rocks, students will work in pairs and group rocks according to type.
6. Students will group individual collections according to type.
7. Using the evaluation sheet in the loan kit and teacher-made materials, the students will pass a quiz on unit material.
8. Students will invite the principal to the class to view class-grown crystal and individual rock collections.
9. Class reporter will submit article about trip and activities to the school newsletter.

Appendices:
None

Bibliography:
None


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