This shortened, on-line version of the publication "Rocks and Minerals of Kentucky" by Warren Anderson provides information on rocks and minerals, including methods of identifying minerals, crystal descriptions, hardness tests, streak tests, and other methods that can be used in the classroom to identify rocks and minerals. Although this resource is specific to Kentucky rocks and minerals, Ohio teachers may find the general information and digital images useful. For more information about rocks and minerals of Ohio (visit this site). Flint is Ohio's state gemstone. To learn more about flint (see more here). (author/kct)

This site would be an excellent link between earth science curricula and career-technical programs in Agricultural & Environmental Systems, Construction, Engineering, and Transportation. In this lesson, students are exposed to a variety of mineral and rock types found throughout Kentucky, but also much of Ohio as well. This lesson could be very useful in having classes do self-guided research on minerals and rocks. Engineering and Construction programs would find this useful in terms of discussion of aggregate materials for concrete, and how that would change by region depending on the quality and availability of those materials. Construction classes could also utilize this website when exploring how buildings can be built on different types of parent materials, and what adaptations will have to be made in order for the structure to be sound. Students in Transportation and Environmental Systems classes must know about the impact of mineral types in the soil in terms of permeability and chemical reactions that occur, especially when dealing with waste water and septic systems. (jrs)