Mineral Sorting Kit
Item #RM-6

Materials:

• 15 Rock and Mineral Samples
• 1 Sorting Key (2, 11"x17" sheets)

Activities:

1. Place the 15 rock and mineral samples on the START circle, and begin the separation process. You should end with one sample on each of the rectangles.

Note: Some younger students may need help with the idea of a key to classify and separate a set of objects. They may need to practice using this key several times. Explain that the polished samples are not found this way in nature.

2. Have students try to identify the rocks and minerals without using the key.

3. Have students place the samples in alphabetical order by their names without looking at the list.

4. Create a different key which could be used to separate this set of rocks and minerals.

5. Devise a key for a different set of rocks and minerals.

6. After the students have mastered this set, ask them to identify unpolished specimens of the same kind. Unpolished specimens can be purchased at many science supple houses, as well as many museums and rock and mineral shows.

Warning: This kit contains many small rock and mineral samples. Keep away from very young children! Never place these or any other rocks or minerals in your mouth!

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