I love hands-on science activities, especially when I can integrate technology into my lesson. Two fantastic free apps for Earth Science are Mineral Identifier and Common Rocks Reference. These apps are full of information for students who are identifying rocks and minerals. If you’re school doesn’t have access to hands-on materials this app can also work as a supporting tool.
Rock and Mineral Identifier Apps
Mineral Identifier App
One of the basics of identifying minerals is looking at cross sections of minerals under a microscope. That means a lot of hands-on materials you might not have, are in one Mineral Identifier app! The app also uses optical mineral identification methods and takes students through a series of questions that help students identify minerals in the database.
Common Rocks Reference App
This rock identifying app features real-life photos of rocks gathered from Scotland and observations about each rock. The rock identifier app also includes a series of quizzes to test learning. You can assess what information to focus on with increasing difficulty. Students are introduced to basic geology ideas without an entire coursework in this easy to use rock identifying app.
Using Rock and Mineral Identifier Apps in the Classroom
Using these apps to help supplement geology lessons in your classroom can help students visualize and get hands-on experience using rock and mineral identifier apps. While the process only uses a small database of information, these apps replicate some of the same methods geologists use to identify rocks and minerals in the laboratory. You can also incorporate these ideas into your geology lessons to help students gain a deeper understanding of basic geology foundations.
8 Excellent Earth Science Websites and Apps for Teachers!
Enter your email and the cheat sheet will arrive in your inbox :)
I can't wait for you to join me on this EdTech journey!
Best, Dr. Monica Burns - Founder of ClassTechTips.com
When you click below I'll also add you to my list for periodic messages over the course of the year.
Hi
Thanks for stopping by Barry!
[…] to specifically identify the rocks your kids find, but it you want to give it a go, check out this app. You can download my rock hunt […]
“Dumb as a box of rocks” is a common saying, at least it is where I grew up. Does this infer that:
A) Collecting rocks is dumb?
B) Having a box to put rocks into once collected is dumb
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Can you identify this rock i really want to know what it is
Hi Arthur, I’m not a rock expert but you may find success reaching out to a local university. Best, Monica
hi does this work with crystals?
Hi Babita, this app doesn’t work with crystals – just rocks and minerals.
I have lots of rocks and I can identify some but their are some that I have know idea what they are. Do you know any websites or people who can help?
Please identify my rock
Hi Sandra, I hope that one of these resources will help you figure out your rock!
I took an image of rock places in the element present but nobody can tell me what it is
What is a rock that I found at the sand dooms that was struck by lighting
Thanks for reaching out! I’m not a rock expert but the app listed in this post might help :)
its called fulgurite
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
I have this very weard clear gem that has something inside of it? Like a fossil or some other gem. Its yellow in color, the gem inside is. The outside is very clear but not clear enough to see what’s inside. Can you please help me?
Hi Mike, thanks for reaching out! I would suggest visiting a local university to see if you can get in touch with someone in their geology department to help answer your question.
that sounds kinda like amber!!
There r a few examples of quartz crystals that would fit that descriptions but that’s true of calcite, fluorite & a couple of other stones. If it is quartz it sounds like a special one that has occlusions, a “ghost” or some other characteristics that make it special. Ur gonna have to do a lil research or find someone who knows
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of rocks and minerals!
Try learning english and its rules of grammer. I can understand what you are asking, but not what you are saying.
I have a black rock tha r is bunch of thine layers but it looks to be a bunch of different colored crystal covering the hole rock please help me figure out what it is in new to this and would like to no
Thanks for reaching out Bobby! If this app doesn’t help you identify the rock you’ve found you may want to contact a local university. Best, Monica
Ok.
Would you indenify the Stone in this ring or an appropriate app? Thank you for your help
Hi Jeanene, I am not a geologist so not sure I’m the best person for the job. You may want to reach out to a local university to see if they have an expert on staff. Best, Monica
How to find someone that can help me with this rock I have
Hi Shelley, I would suggest contacting a local geologist to help you find out the type of rock you have found. Best, Monica
Where do I find a geologist to identify the rocks I have?
Thanks for your message Heather! I would contact a local university with a geology department. Best, Monica
Have a large gemstone my uncle found in the 50s while building John H Kerr Dam cannot find anything else like it very clear nice gym quality would like to send you a picture
Thanks for your message Gerald! You may want to reach out to a local geologist.
I would like to know if you can identify this rock