Conduct a series of tests to distinguish between rocks & minerals

Your students will perform a variety of tests on the six specimens provided to first identify which are rocks and which are minerals. Then they will use a series of simple observations and experiments to classify the rocks as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. In the process, they will perform the series of standard tests used in analyzing geological specimens, including color; luster; streak; hardness; cleavage and fracture; specific gravity; magnetic attraction; and reaction to an acid. The young geologists will also hone their observation and analysis skills!