The use of a technology-based activity to teach a unit on rocks and minerals can incorporate an exposure to online research strategies and the use of multiple forms of technology. Students may gather pictures, written information and video clips on different types of rock and minerals. Also, these resources can be compiled into a power-point presentation to be shared with the rest of the class.
Learning about rocks and minerals provides an excellent opportunity for students to investigate the local environment and connect learning with their world. Students can use a playground area or take a field trip to a state park to collect and analyze rocks. They can record information about the likely mineral composition of rocks based on their location, weight, size, shape and color. Also, students can brainstorm ways that rocks are useful, both in the natural environment and by man.
A unit on rocks and minerals also provides the opportunity for those students who enjoy drawing or writing to be able use those talents to drive student learning. Students can research rock types to determine like characteristics and then draw rocks to demonstrate selected characteristics. They can label the drawings and utilize color to indicate minerals differences in different rock types.
Some students may be able to learn and demonstrate understanding through the use of a graphing activity. Student could conduct action research or computer-based research to collect data on rocks and minerals, and then put all data in a grid form for presentation. Students can categorize rocks by their size, shape, surface, weight and mineral content based on color.