MINERAL WEBQUEST

Step One
1. First, you will need to create a layered book foldable with three pieces of paper.  On the back, write your name, date, and hour.

2. On the first tab or top page, write Mineral. Include a definition of a mineral on this tab.

3. On the next tab, write Color and Streak

4. On the third tab, write Luster

5. On the fourth tab, write Cleavage and Fracture

6. On the fifth tab, write Hardness

7. On the sixth tab, write Special Properties

Step Two
1.  Research each of the mineral properties listed on your tabs.  You will not find all of the information on one website.  Please visit each website and research the properties. 

2. Compile definitions and descriptions for each property on the appropriate tab.  Also, describe the methods for testing each property.

3. Include any helpful diagrams or pictures to help with the descriptions. Give at least one example for each property.  For the Special Properties tab, please list 4 properties and explain them.  You can include Magnetism, Radioactivity, Reaction to Acids, and Fluorescence.  

4. Please use the websites below instead of just going to Google.  I have already researched the best information for you. 

5. Visit this website on Minerals and read the definitions about minerals.  Click on the properties tab for an explanation on determining the properties of minerals. 
 http://webmineral.com/Mineral_Definition.shtml

6. Go to the Minerology4Kids  website and use the tabs across the top to study minerals.  Make sure to use the  mineral identification tab for explanations of mineral properties that are easy to understand.   
 http://www.mineralogy4kids.org/mineral-properties

7. The Mineral Identification Key II is a good place to find out about luster and view some good examples.
 Use this information to add to your foldable.
 http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/id/mineral_id_keyi1.htm

8. Visit the Amethyst Galleries website.  There is a wonderful gallery and collection of mineral pictures.  It also discusses the physical properties most useful for mineral identification as well as other important properties and characteristics.   
 http://www.galleries.com

9. Testing Hardness of a mineral is the next website to view. You will learn about the hardness of a mineral
 and how to perform the diagnostic test during the mineral investigation. 
http://webmineral.com/help/Hardness.shtml     http://www.sdnhm.org/archive/kids/minerals/howto-hardness.html

10. You are almost done.  Next, visit this website and view the section on identifying and classifying minerals.
 You will use this information to fill in any missing information on your foldable.  Make sure to read about
 the Mohs scale and click on the samples. The students will use this website to complete their foldable.  http://www.kidsloverocks.com/html/friedrich_mohs.html 

11. Visit the Mineralogy 4 Kids website.  Use the tabs across the top of the page.  Be sure to see how minerals are used in your home!  You might be surprised.  http://mineralogy4kids.org/

12. This website will allow you to do a virtual mineral test.  See if you can correctly identify the mineral.   http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/ES03/ES03.html
 

Step Three
1.  Recheck your foldable and look at the rubric!    Did you include a definition?  Did you describe the method for testing that property?  Did you list at least one example for each property?   

      Some things to think about..

     A)  Is color alone a good guide in identifying your mineral?  Why or Why Not?

     B)  How will you test the Streak of a Mineral?

     C)  Did you give the definition for Luster?  Did you include Metallic as well as Non-Metallic and give examples of types of Non-Metallic Luster?

     D)  Did you explain the Moh's Scale and describe how you will test the Hardness of the minerals?

     E)  Did you list at least 4 different Special Properties and explain them with examples?