Minerals+Lab+MA09

Opening
-Daily Teaser //pg 36-Mineral Beauty Contest gets the students to connect with mineral names that they will be using in the lab or may come across during this unit. This should get them thinking of all the various possibilities out there in the world.// - Go over the homework assignment and use probing questions to see if they understand each identifying technique. //Sample Probing Questions: In your own words can you tell me what Luster is?// //Crystal// //structure? Hardness? How do you find out what a minerals Streak is? Can someone tell me how to calculate a minerals Density? Are there minerals with more than one color? How can that be? What special properties of minerals do you encounter in your life? What about optical lenses? What about magnetism?//

Engagement
-Hand out the Lab assignment (3 pages; [|MineralLab1.bmp]  [|MineralLab2.bmp]  [|MineralLab3.bmp] ) and review what is expected of a lab write up (//lab process as used by cooperating teacher//  [|LabReportGrading.bmp]). I will have the students explain to me each of the sections that they are required to meet at that time (//the CT adds in more in depth to each section throughout the semester. I will find out when I get there how in depth they should be by then//). -Review safety precautions and have them begin writing the pre-lab before starting the lab itself. -In their lab tables they will work to complete the lab. -I will go around and ask questions to guide them through the lab procedure or to aid the direction of their writing. I will also be available for them to ask questions of me if they are having trouble understanding concepts or techniques of the lab. //Sample Questions: What do you know about quartz’s color? Can it vary? What does it mean when it is different? Is Calcites fracturing distinctive? How so? Do you see feldspar around during your day? Where? What about in granite? What other minerals make up granite?//

Closure
-Wrap up lab procedure (if not done already) and pose questions to get them thinking about their write up for the conclusions section of their lab assignment. //Sample Questions: Some of the ones above but include to all of the minerals tested. Color variations, the minerals impact on the students everyday lives, what the special properties may allow us to use them for.// -Have them complete the lab write up for homework.