Download Rocks and Minerals Pathfinder

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Rocks and
Minerals
Pathfinder
This pathfinder addresses the Maryland State Curriculum and is a
4th grade unit in Harford County Public Schools.
Standard 2.0 Earth/Space Science
Indicator

3. Explain how rock is formed from combinations of different minerals and that smaller rocks come
from the breakage and
Image from: http://www.teachersparadise.com/c/images/prods/1mhcp/0768212871
weathering of bedrock (solid rock underlying soil components) and larger rocks; soil is made partly
from weathered rock, partly from plant remains-and also contains many living organisms.
Objectives
1.
Observe and classify a collection of minerals based on their physical properties.

Color

Luster

Hardness

Streak
Identify and compare the properties of rocks that are composed of a single mineral with those of
other rocks
Grade level: 4th grade
Content Area: Science
Unit: Rocks and Minerals
*All books and media listed below are available in the YBES Intermediate building unless
otherwise noted.
Books
The most trusted nonfiction series on
the market,
Eyewitness
Books provide an
in-depth,
comprehensive
look at their
subjects with a
unique
integration of
words and
pictures.
An informational book about different
rocks, minerals, gems, crystals, and
fossils.
YBES Library
549 Rocks
DK's classic look at rocks and minerals,
now reissued with a CD and wall chart.
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 552 Symes
One of the books in
The natural world
comes alive in this
the "Exploring
exciting,
Science" series, this
imaginative series
title focuses on the
The fact-filled
elements and
text is
properties of
accompanied by step-by-step, photominerals, as well as
illustrated instructions that help kids to
make a model of Earth, a seismometer,
specific types of
minerals found in rock and ore. With such different types of faults, and other
specificity, it is sure to become an often- hands-on projects. By linking the
scientific information with the projects,
used reference book when students
lessons are reinforced in a fun, creative
study this subject.
way that students
will love.
(Flipkart.com)
YBES Library 550
West
Cathy Puett Miller - Children's
Literature
YBES Library 549 Stille
Rock collecting has
never been quite
like this! When the
class forgets to do
its homework, a
fieldtrip through
the Earth's crust, into the center of the
Earth, and out through a volcano will
teach them not to forget their
assignments again - and then some!
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 551 Cole
An introductory book
on rocks and
minerals.
YBES Library 552
Claybourne
Describes the
causes and
consequences of
landslides,
avalanches, and
other, sometimes
rapid, sometimes
slow, downward
movements of
rocks, soil, and/or snow.
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 551.3
Holly Keller
has created
vivacious
new
paintings
for this
favorite
Reading
Rainbow title about geology. Readers
follow two enthusiastic rock hounds
around the globe as they add to their
collection. Along the way they will learn
how sedimentary, metamorphic, and
igneous rocks are formed. From the
Egyptian pyramids to Roman roads, from
the diamond ring on your finger to the
pebbles under your feet'rocks are
everywhere! (Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 552 Gans
Rocks Tell Stories by Sidney S.
Horenstein
Discusses the nature, significance, and
uses of rocks, how they can change over
time, and what they can reveal about the
Earth and its history. (Barnes and
Noble)
YBES Library 552 Horenstein
 Detailed, jargon-free guidance on
the identification of individual
specimens
throughout with superb
color photographs
locator maps provide
essential information
on characteristics and
distribution
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 552
This Dorling Kindersley Handbook title
has been updated and
given a fresh new
look. The series has
sold over 5 million
copies worldwide.
Rocks & Minerals
contains over 500
full-color
illustrations and
crystal-clear
photographs precisely annotated to make
identification simple and accurate.
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 552 Pellant
Young
readers are
fascinated
by rocks
and
minerals,
and this
series
provides a
colorful, comprehensive guide. Each
volume uses clear text and close-up
photographs to explain how rocks and
minerals are formed, how they are used,
and what makes each one unique. The
series features:
- High-interest subject matter in an
accessible format
- Clear, concise text that supports the
elementary curriculum in earth science
- Close-up, full-color photographs
- Detailed, cutaway diagrams that
illustrate how rocks and minerals are
formed
- Fact boxes that present fascinating
facts about rocks and minerals
- Resources for further study
(Flipkart.com) YBES Library 552 Pellant
This simple introduction to rocks and
minerals illustrates where they come
from, as well as the many ways in which
they are formed. Young readers will
explore the layers
of the Earth and
find out whether
common rocks are
igneous,
metamorphic, or
sedimentary. Fossils
and gemstones are
also discussed.
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Library 552 Ricciuti
Less Challenging Text
Eye Wonder Rocks and Minerals
introduces geologic
elements to budding
scientists — Did you
know that the
amount of gold in
any material is
measured in carats
and that 24-carat
gold is pure gold?
Find out facts like this and much more
in this fascinating guide to rocks and
minerals.
(Barnes and Noble)
YBES Primary Library
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Websites

Mineral Matters: San Diego Natural History Museum : a website that includes
information on identifying minerals, building a collection, growing your own crystals,
mine games, and mineral FAQ’s

Mineralogy 4 Kids- an excellent kids website from the Mineralogical Society of
America

Rocks for Kids – a website created by GMB Services

Rock Hound Kids – a website “For Kids Who Love Rocks”
o Includes articles about rocks

Kids in the Hall of Planet Earth – look at the “Rocks in Your Cabinet” section of the
site.
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Media
DVD
Dive into
three
refreshing
episodes with
Ms. Frizzle
and The
Magic School
Bus! The Friz
takes her
class on a rainy ride through the life cycle
of a water drop, on the rough 'n' tumble
journey of a boulder subject to water
erosion and on a bubbly trip to the bottom
of Walkerville Lake. These educational
adventures with the vehicle that can go
anywhere and be anything offer new
discoveries galore to those riding along!
Featuring lots of watery wonders, these
fabulous fun times show your child how to
soak up some science while having a wet and
wild blast! Includes three 30-minute TV
episodes: Wet All Over; Rocks and Rolls;
and Ups and Downs. (Amazon)
YBES Library
VHS: Rocks and
Soil
videorecording
from Bill Nye
the Science Guy
YBES Library
Part of the
Eyewitness
educational
video series,
which features
simple
discussions of
scientific
material one
topic at a time for kids and parents, too,
Eyewitness: Rock and Mineral examines the
inorganic VHS realm -- rocks, minerals, and
how they came to be. Martin Sheen hosts
the program, tracing the evolutionary path
of inorganic materials, which proves almost
as action-packed and jagged as the story of
organic evolution. (Betsy Boyd, All Movie
Guide All Movie Guide)
Taken from Barnes and Noble
YBES Library
DVD
Designedfor
kids, Way Cool
Science:
RockFinders
offers a great
deal of
information
about geology
including
lessons on rock formation, erosion, and
fossils. Children are also given advice on
how to being collecting rocks and precious
stones on their own. (Perry Seibert, All
Movie Guide All Movie Guide) taken from
Barnes and Noble
YBES Primary Building Library
TeacherTube Video
Rocks Don’t Roll: The science of Rocks and
Minerals
Discovery Education Videos- available under
Teacher section
Access here
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Databases
 SIRS Discoverer
o School access is available without log in information
o Home access is available HERE
 Use your home log in information that your SLMS has provided for you
 Rocks and Minerals Weekly Reader article on SIRS Discoverer
available Here

How Rocks and Minerals are Formed article on SIRS Discoverer
available Here
 World Book Kids
o School access is available without log in information
o Home access is available HERE
 Use your home log in information that your SLMS has provided for you
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Graphics

Rock Cycle – click to view a diagram of the Rock Cycle

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Teachers

Brainpop Jr. Rocks and Minerals Video (by Subscription only)

Discovery Education videos:
o Many different titles are available, but I like this one
o It has 5 different segments and is a total of 8.5 minutes long

Note: Discovery Education requires a username and password, but
HCPS has purchased a license for it. You must stream and download
the video before or after school and then play it from a flash drive or
your PC’s hard-drive.

Rocks, Minerals and Mining Theme Page – a list of web based resources for
teachers

Lesson Plan - The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the basic
elements of our Earth’s crust: rocks, soils and minerals. They learn how we
categorize rocks, soils and minerals. (National Science Digital Library

Rock Cycle Demonstration – interactive media; free registration is required
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