Continuing the Earth Materials unit, students are observing minerals. Thirteen different kinds of rocks and minerals are included in their kit.  Students were reminded that rocks are made of different ingredients called minerals. Minerals are pure materials that can't be separated into different kinds of ingredients. Students studied 4 minerals: calcite, quartz, gypsum and fluorite. They observed the minerals carefully. After observing the minerals using a hand lens, they tested for hardness. Using a variety of materials, they scratched the mineral's surface to check the hardness of each mineral.

To see photos of Mrs. Bell's class, click here:

http://www.westhillselementaryschool.com/?PageName='TeacherPage'&Page='PhotoAlbum'&StaffID='32894'

To see photos of Ms. Bramlett's class, click here:

http://www.westhillselementaryschool.com/?PageName='TeacherPage'&Page='PhotoAlbum'&StaffID='11128'