Things to Know About Rocks and Minerals

So for my science class, we are teaching a lesson plan to a classroom of 4th graders!  I am so excited to take part in this wonderful experience, yet it is quite overwhelming.  After filling out the first lesson plan, I realized that there is so much to think about.  My partner and I have the first step done, but now it's time for the details.  I remember as a kid I had a huge collection of rocks, so I definitly understand how interested children are when pertaining to this subject.  If only I still had my rock collection.

                                        

In order to become an expert about rocks and minerals I believe the internet, my town library, and possibly a book store would be helpful as well.  A classmate of mine brought up a good misconception that the children may have which was based on the fact that some may believe that all solids are rocks.  I am not quite sure how we could introduce this possible problem, but I was thinking about bringing in a few materials that are obviously solids, but clearly not rocks.  Hopefully this will be helpful.  Brainpop.com may also be a good tool to use to ensure that all of the students understand what rocks are, and to clear up any other misconceptions they may have.  This site is geared toward children, and it allows different subjects to be presented in fun ways.  I even have used Brainpop to enhance my knowledge about rocks and minerals!

                                       

I haven't finished my investigations on rocks and minerals, but I started to look online for some good resources and found a few that may be a good start.

http://www.kidskonnect.com/subject-index/15-science/97-rocks-a-minerals.html
This site has a BUNCH of information on rocks and minerals, and is also geared toward children.  There's information about national parks all the way to the different textures of different rocks and minerals.  Quite interesting!

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/rocks.html
Although this site seems to be made from a non-scholarly place, it still has many ideas of sites to visit along with activities and lesson plans for both online and for the classroom.  Maybe we can find some ideas from here that will help to make our lesson plans more interesting!

A Useful Website in Teaching Science

Here are some websites that I found that seem to be a really good sources in teaching science.  Hope you guys enjoy!

http://www.nsta.org/
A great source from the National Science Teachers Association which includes up-to-date information about science, what is going on within the teacher world per say, various informative articles, along with different tips in teaching science to all different grade levels.

http://www.science-teachers.com/
This site is filled with various activities like crosswords and wordpuzzles, along with many different worksheets dealing with all sorts of science topics.  One way to get some creative ideas to implement into the classroom!

My Science Story

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be outside.  I would be outside so much that I would forget to eat sometimes!  I grew up with three older brothers so we would always be outside playing street hockey, manhunt, capture the flag, etc.  There was never a dull moment in our family.  We have always went camping every summer, so that is always something to look forward to every year.  Science seemed to always be one of my stronger subjects, which I believe is based on how much fun it can be.  I remember in 4th grade, we disected owl pellets and then had to attempt to construct a rodent out of the bones.  It may sound disgusting but it was really fun!  I love doing experiements, never knowing what the actual results of my actions may be, and I love how there is always something new to be learned.  I look forward to this semester.  I am a little bit nervous about teaching a class, but it should be really fun!