The Process

PART 1

First of all find a partner, someone you work well with.

• Using the collection of rocks your teacher has given you, start to work on their properties:-
• What colour is the rock?
• What does it feel and look like?
• Does it smell?
• Does it make a particular sound when you tap it?
• Is it heavy or light?
• Can it be scratched with your finger nail, the point of a scissor, or is it too hard to scratch?
• Does it split or crumble in your hand?

Next draw each rock and list its properties underneath. This information will be very useful when you come to do your Database of Rocks.

PART 2

How do the rocks react when drops of acid (lemon juice or vinegar) are added to them? Design a 'Fair Test' to see how 'hard' rocks react compared to 'soft' rocks.

Use protective glasses for this experiment and take extra care!!
Do exactly as your teacher tells you for the experiment.
Here is a Safety Sheet for advice.

Useful Tip
When testing, place each rock on a Petri Dish (a saucer would do), add one or two drops of acid (vinegar or lemon juice) and use a large lens over the top of your rock to watch carefully what happens. Note whether there is a different reaction between the 'hard' rocks or the 'soft' ones using the Acid Test Recording Sheet.

You are almost an expert already, but going onto these sites will really give you the edge.

SITE 1.This is a smashing site and has loads of information on rocks. Unfortunately, you cannot log on without a password as your school needs to subscribe to the service, but it's only £20 per year.

SITE 2. This is a Fun Site called 'RockWatch'. It has some brilliant ideas, especially the recipes!

SITE 3. This is a site for the 'Ace Rock Expert' It has everything about rocks.

SITE 4. This is the best site yet. It has absolutely everything about rocks, and the information is very clear, with good photographs. Unfortunately, you cannot log on without a password as your school needs to subscribe to the service. Click here for more information.

PART 3.

Now Play Guess the Rock!

• In pairs, choose a set of identical rock collections and sit at opposite sides of a table. Hide your collections from each other by propping up a large book or a piece of card between you. You need to be able to see above the book, but you must not see the rocks your partner is describing.
• Next, one of you chooses a rock and the partner asks questions about it.
• Your partner then has 30 seconds to identify the rock!
• Take turns until you have used all the rocks. Keep scores to see who is the Ace Rock Hound.

You could award points for correctly guessing the rock after 2 questions or 4 questions - you can make up your own rules, but check with your teacher before you go ahead.

PART 4

With all your expert knowledge let's see if you can make a database of 8-10 rocks. You already have your 'Fields' worked out - you may need to have just a single word heading. Each of the rocks will form a 'Record. If you want to go for more than 10 records to make a really good Data File - go for it!