Rocks under the Microscope

Usually, we use our microscopes for slides.  Our first lesson is with money.  The kiddos look at U.S. and foreign currency under the microscope.  But I hadn’t thought about studying rocks and minerals under the microscope.  My advice is to use less expensive microscopes, such as a clip-on lens or microscope, digital microscope, or kids version.  Kiddos have a propensity for grinding the lens against the object.  

 Here is a simulated, microscope activity with images.  Put salt on glass slides to observe.  Try sand or gravel.  Mineral Matters has a defined lesson studying mineral samples under the microscope.  I’m filing this idea away for fall.