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 work as a substitution.
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 can be substituted in one Mineral Identifier app! The app 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 and assess what information needs to be focused 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 is streamlined to only use 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 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!
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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?
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!!
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