Percent of Mineral Composition of Igneous Rocks
This worksheet utilizes the Scheme for Igneous Rock Identification of the ESRT's and allows students to practice calculating the percentage of each mineral found in a some igneous rocks.
Properties of Common Minerals
Very simple worksheet using the Properties of Common Minerals chart on the ESRT to help students get a feel for and understand how to extract information from the chart.
Rock Cycle Diagram
Colorful diagram helpful in showing the rock cycle.
mineral notes
Introduction notes for a unit on minerals.
Virtual Field Trip to a laccolith in central Montana
This 30-45 minute activity allows students to explore Crown Butte, an interesting laccolith in Montana that exhibits fascinating examples of igneous geology. The experience helps students understand the role of the rock cycle in shaping of the surface.
Rock Classification
Introductory lesson to classify rocks. Students become familiar with the reference tables rock charts.
Dichotomous Mineral Identification
You will use a dichotomous key for identification. Dichotomous keys are used for identification in a wide variety of subjects. You will need to use a different dichotomous key to identify minerals on the New lab portion of the regents (June 2005).
Igneous Rock Identification
Using your senses and the Scheme for Igneous Rock Identification found in your reference tables, you will be able to first classify then identify the environment of formation of a variety of different igneous rocks.
Metamorphic Rock Identification
Using your senses and the Scheme for Metamorphic Rock Identification, you will be able to first classify and identify the rocks and their environments of formation.
Metamorphic Rock Identification
This lab is a simple identification lab which can be used with any 6 (or less) metamorphic rocks listed on the ESRT that teachers have in stock. Follows this introductory reference table lab (attached below).