1. A Gem of an Idea
How common are gems? Where are they found? What are the two major characteristics of gemstones? How are they categorized? Which would be your favorite and why? If you were to go out looking for your own gemstones, where can you find them?
To learn more about gems, and to answer the above questions visit the links below and follow the recommended links.
Consider This Before Answering the Questions
Lots of little kids collect rocks, and not quite so many adults go searching for gemstones. While the rock collections typically get thrown out as the children get older, gemstone collections can actually be turned into cash. So, let's go on an expedition for gems, then you might think about taking on a new hobby (you'll see as we reach the end that you may pay attention to the warning "Don't give up your day job.")
Let's begin by going to the U.S. Geological web site at http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/ When you get there, click on the link for "Key Terminology" for a short page of terms, and then link to the "Next" page, which is the "Geologic Environment." How common are gems? Where are they found? Give some examples. Move to the next page, "Mineral Gemstones." Describe the two major characteristics of gemstones. How are mineral gemstones categorized? What are the sixteen categories described at this site? Which would be your favorite and why? Going to the next page, describe your birthstone. Then move on to organic gemstones on the next page-what are they and why are they valuable? How do they differ from gemstones from minerals? What is the warning on the next page? Now we get to the really fun stuff: collecting your own gemstones-where can you find them? Where are diamonds most likely to be found, but why is it difficult to estimate diamond reserves? The next two pages give you information on getting involved in collecting and obtaining additional information if you decide this would be an enjoyable hobby; at the bottom of the reference page, link to "Information on Rock and Mineral Collecting," then link to "Collecting Rocks," which is our final page in this exercise. What can rocks tell you about the Earth? What are the different types of rocks? How would you start a collection and identify rocks? After You Answer the Questions
We've already talked about where to find gemstones, but here is a bit more general information. If you do decide to undertake rock collecting as a hobby, you will need the proper equipment and must know how to store your collection (you don't want it taking over your house, right?). Finally, what are the hints for rock collectors? Some of the students in your science class may go on to major in areas where you will actually be collecting specimens of different types (whether geology, anthropology, or even medicine)-how could this information help (obviously, some of it is unique to rock collecting, but some can be transferred to other endeavors)? Have fun with this!
2. Journey to the Center of the Earth-Looking inside Volcanoes
Explore the benefits and hazards of volcanoes as well as the types and nature of them by following the recommended links at below. Imagine yourself a volcanologist exploring a volcano in Hawaii or Greece or some other part of the world. What do you need to know about planning and logistics, about operations, and about the equipment you'll be using? What safety precautions might be important?
Consider This Before Answering the Questions
Anyone who has ever seen a volcano erupting, whether in real life or even on film, can't help but feel a sense of awe at the power being unleashed from inside the Earth. For some, the thought of an erupting volcano brings images of disaster, for others it's growth and expansion. Let's begin our foray by looking first at the beneficial aspects of volcanoes, and then we'll flow through other important topics about these age-old changers of the Earth.
Start by going to the web site at http://www.geol.ucsb.edu/~fisher/ and read the little section about the web site and its purpose, then scroll down to Volcanoes: Beneficial aspects so we can keep in mind that volcanoes are not just about destruction. What are the benefits listed? Go ahead and click the links to expand on these benefits (particularly "volcanic soil," "geothermal power," and "Earth and human history"). Now go back to the home page and we'll go through some of the Volcanic Topics, starting with the "List of Volcanic Hazards." As we meander through this site, we'll click on links that are part of the journey (if you get "lost," either go back to the index and click on the next link in "Volcano Topics" or try using the "Back" button on your browser), so let's begin. First, what are the different kinds of events that result from volcanic action? We'll be learning about each of these as we go. Understanding that we really don't want to get caught in the middle of an eruption, list the volcanic hazards-these are the events we'll be looking at. As you go through these pages, you'll get a brief summary of the topics we'll be covering, so read first, then go back to the first section of the site and link to "Mitigation of Hazards." Imagine yourself a volcanologist exploring a volcano in Hawaii or Greece or some other part of the world. What do you need to know about planning and logistics, about operations, and about the equipment you'll be using? What other safety precautions (not mentioned here) might be important? Go back to the previous page and scroll down to "Pyroclastic Density Currents," where you'll click on the first link-that will take you to Pyroclastic Flows. What is a pyroclastic flow? What is the driving force of a sediment gravity flow? Describe the origins of pyroclastic sediment gravity flows. How were pyroclastic flows discovered? What are the consequences of sediment gravity flows? Hit the "Back" button and click on the link to lahars-what are they? Discuss their origins and discuss debris flow. Go back again and scroll down to "Debris-Flow Avalanches" and click that link so you can go to "Volcanic Debris-Flow Avalanches." First, you'll need to know what an avalanche is and how it starts. Describe its progression. What's the oldest mapped debris avalanche? Do click on the graphics so you can get a better view and a better understanding. Again go back and link to "Tephra Fall," which will take you to "Pyroclastic Fallout" (have you noticed that the links and where they take you don't have the same names-curious, no?). When you get there, explain what pyroclastic fallout is. What difficulties do they pose for airplanes (you may want to go to that link to answer the question)? Finally, go back to the index on the first page and click on the link to "Volcanic Forms," which will take you to "Volcanoes." Here you will read about the types of volcanoes. How are they similar and how do they differ? Describe calderas, ignimbrite fields, the caldera cycle, and postcollapse activity. After You Answer the Questions
If you had the opportunity to explore volcanoes, would you do it?
