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Introduction

According to archaeologists (scientists who study the past remains of human activities), the Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages were named for the main minerals that were being used in tools during those time periods, which spanned 10,000 B.C. to 2,000 B.C.. MineralsAn inorganic substance found in nature with a definite chemical composition and structure. Most have a crystal form. are natural, nonliving solids—tiny particles arranged in definite patterns. RocksNaturally occurring solid mixture of minerals. are solid mixtures of minerals. If you look at a rock with a magnifying lens, you can often see the distinct grains of several different minerals.

1. Introduction
2. Earth is a living machine
3. Shake, rattle, and roll
4. Classifying this old rock
5. Project 1 - Mineral Testing: What kind of mineral is it?
6. Project 2 - Rock Classification: Is it igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?
7. Design Your Own Experiment