Name________________________________ Date_________

Regents Earth Science – Mineral Expert Report Period_______

MINERAL RESEARCH USING INTERNET AND LIBRARY MEDIA

One way to become an “expert” on something is to research it through many different sources. For this activity you will become an expert on one specific mineral. Your mineral will be assigned to you in class.

Begin your information search on the website (http://mineral.galleries.com) already provided for you on
the Orchard Park home page. The best way to start looking is to search “minerals by name” along the left margin of the website. You should start a separate research page on which you can chart data, such as the following:

• Chemical structure or formula
• Family or group to which the mineral belongs
• A diagram of a sample or a crystal
• What is the mineral used for?
• Where is the mineral found?
• Other interesting information

Be sure to list the sources that you used. These can include other Internet sites that you locate through search engines, the encyclopedia program on the computer, or mineral reference books. You must use at least two sources.

When you have completed your research you must complete a mineral “expert” report. The report is to be approximately two paragraphs in length and include information like the items listed above. It may be typed or neatly hand-written. You must include a bibliography of your sources.

The report is due on: ____________________ at the beginning of class. The assignment is worth 20 points.

Extra Credit opportunity: You may construct a poster or other visual representation that illustrates information about your mineral. It could be worth up to 5 extra credit points based on creativity and information presented. The item must be turned in by the above due date.