A field trip to the Harvard Museum of Natural History

"I never realized that minerals could come in so many colors!" exclaimed a student while exploring the Earth and Planetary Sciences room at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

As part of the study of Rocks and Minerals, grade 4 students visited the Harvard Museum of Natural History on June 2nd to see some amazing rocks and minerals up close, to learn how scientists distinguish between rocks and minerals, and to learn how to identify minerals.  Students were very excited by varied and impressive exhibits at the museum.

Here are a few of the things that students had to say about their visit.

"What surprised me was the variety of things they presented.  I was impressed by all of the astonishing rocks they had there!" ~Brooke

"I had a great time.  My favorite area was the glass flowers.  I liked it because the flowers looked so realistic.  I could easily be fooled that they weren't glass!" ~Meri

"This field trip was my most favorite field trip.  I liked the armor from the ancient countries.  I also liked the animals too." ~Will

"The giant amethysts were so cool!" ~Mason

"I loved the room with all the rocks and minerals found in different countries.  I wish I could have stayed a few more hours!" ~Amber

"I can't wait to go there with my family." ~Mila

Earth and Space Science Standards, Grades 3 - 5

1.  Give a simple explanation of what a mineral is and some examples, e.g. quartz, mica.

2.  Identify the physical properties of minerals (hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and streak), and explain how minerals can be tested for these different properties.

3.  Identify the three categories of rocks (metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary) based on how they are formed, and explain the natural and physical processes that create these rocks.