General Objectives

Students will learn some of the basic characteristics of each mineral presented, as well as its main uses. Lessons will focus on specific facts, applications, and/or current issues related to each mineral.

Teachers are encouraged to use visual aids in presenting the material to class. Blackboard, overhead projector and bulletin board presentations can help the visual learners in your classrooms, while the suggested films and filmstrips may reinforce both visual and auditory learning. Kinesthetic students will benefit from demonstrations and show-and-tell items. For example, a discussion of aluminum might include a hands-on demonstration. Each child in turn would examine items such as aluminum ladders, folding lawn furniture, soft drink cans and house siding or roofing. The class would then discuss why aluminum is a good material to use for these things. A variety of educational activities are suggested for each mineral studied.