Rocks and Minerals Webquest

Name:

You have been asked by the US Geological society to create a presentation on

the rocks and minerals found in your area. This webquest will prepare you for
your presentation.

In order to prepare for your presentation, you must complete the following tasks.
1) Complete the webquest below to learn about rocks and minerals.
2) Discuss the webquest in class.
3) Go on a nature hike to obtain rock samples. You may also collect samples
from your own backyard or your own nature hike.
4) Use the key to identify your rocks.
5) Create a presentation to share at least two of your rocks.

The Rock Cycle: Use these websites to answer the following questions.
Earth Floor
YouTube
US Geological Society
Windows to the Universe

1. What are the three main types of rocks?

2. How does a sedimentary rock turn into a metamorphic rock?

3. How does an igneous rock turn into a metamorphic rock?

4. How do metamorphic rocks turn into sedimentary rocks?

5. How do igneous rocks turn into sedimentary rocks?

Igneous Rocks: Use this website to answer the following question.

Learner Interactives

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6. What kinds of rocks are formed by volcanic eruptions?

Visit Collector’s Corner to answer the following questions.

7. Which types of igneous rocks are formed underground by magma?

8. Which types of igneous rocks are formed above ground, by lava?

Sedimentary Rocks: Use this website to answer the following questions.

Collector’s Corner

9. How are sedimentary rocks formed?

10. Name two sedimentary rocks.

Pumice: Use the website below to answer the following questions.

Geology.com

11. Where does Pumice come from?

12. Which type of rock is pumice?

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13. Give at least five uses of pumice.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Minerals: Use this website to answer the following question.

Rocks for Kids

14. What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Visit the websites below to answer the following questions.

CK-12: Minerals
CK-12: Mineral Groups
Mineralogy for Kids

15. What are the requirements to be a mineral?



16. What are the eight groups of minerals?

1)

2)

3)

4)

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5)

6)

7)

8)

17. What are three minerals you find in the house? Where is it used?
Mineral Use

Mohs Scale: Use this website to answer the following questions.

All About Gemstones

18. What does the Mohs Scale measure?

19. What mineral is a ten on the Mohs scale?

20. Which mineral has the least hardness?

Highest hardness?

21. What is the approximate measurement for a penny on the Mohs scale?

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 Rocks and Minerals Webquest
Streak: Use this website to answer the following question.
Minerals

22. Sometimes the color and streak of a mineral are very different. Which
example shows the greatest difference?

Density: Use the website below to answer the following questions.

Math and Science Activity Center

23. What is the formula for density?

24. Calculate the density for each block. Submit your answers on the page. Did
you get them right? Write your answers below.

Block 1:

Block 2:

25. Use your answers for Question 19 to identify the blocks. Submit your answers
on the page. Did you get them right? Write your answers below.

Block 1:

Block 2:

Gems: Use the following websites to answer the questions below.

Corundum
Smithsonian: Hope Diamond

26. The gem Corundum is known by several names, based on its color. Use the
website above to complete the chart.
Color Name

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27. How old is the Hope Diamond?

Rock Cycle Activity

28. If you have time, complete this Rock Cycle activity. Enter only your first name
(it is not saved for anything). Print your results. We will discuss them in class.

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