How to Identify Minerals 1.1

This application provides an engaging resource for students and educators to explore Earth’s minerals through an interactive guide focused on mineral identification techniques. It delves into a variety of foundational topics, including the distinction between minerals and rocks, the influence of atomic structure on mineral formation, the processes and environments in which minerals develop, the classification of different mineral types, and the properties that facilitate the identification of unknown mineral specimens.

By utilizing high-definition videos that showcase practical mineral identification methods, users can develop skills in identifying, naming, and classifying minerals akin to geologists in the field. Additionally, the app offers practice activities in mineral identification, alongside a searchable database encompassing over 50 common minerals.

This app serves as an excellent supplement to any geology curriculum or as a comprehensive lesson on minerals and their identification.

Key Features of the App Include:

• Hundreds of zoomable high-resolution images of minerals captured by Dennis Tasa.
• HD videos demonstrating authentic mineral identification techniques.
• An intuitive navigation system featuring swipe gestures, drop-down menus, and a thumbnail gallery.
• A drop-down menu with audio controls, glossary access, and a table of contents.
• Toggleable narration options.
• Interactive quizzes that provide scoring with results available for copying, printing, or sharing.
• Essay questions designed to promote critical thinking skills.
• A searchable database of over 50 common minerals.
• A structured investigation for identifying an actual unknown mineral sample.
• Fully self-contained functionality with no internet connection required.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Minerals are Important
2. Minerals and Rocks
3. Elements and Atoms
4. How Minerals Form
5. Properties of Minerals
6. Classifying Minerals
7. Mineral Identification
8. Common Minerals (Database)

Appropriate for Grade Levels 7-13.

This app aligns with Next Generation Science Standards, including:

• ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems
• ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
• ESS3.A: Natural Resources
• PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter

It also supports Common Core Literacy in Science Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1–5,9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1–5,9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.1–5,9