The latest Moms of Master Books pick is The Mineral Book by David McQueen, part of the Wonders of Creation series for classroom, independent study, or homeschool settings. New Leaf Press sent me this book at the perfect time, because my middle schooler is studying geology in science this year. The Mineral Book is not only a wonderful supplement to his course, but it also allows me to pull in my elementary aged son as we sit down together to learn more about minerals.
Like The Ecology Book and The Astronomy Book, The Mineral Book is formatted to easily use with multiple ages.
This book is very versatile for several reasons. First, as a resource for anyone, adult or student, it is a comprehensive introduction to mineralogy and even has a mineral identification sections, like a field guide. I have enjoyed reading through it and have learned as much from it as my kids have.
In addition, The Mineral Book contains three skill levels, designated by a color coded background to the text. This makes it easy to 1. use this book with multiple ages at once, ideal for family homeschooling, and 2. reuse the book with the same child in later years, reading the more advanced text as the child progresses. The Mineral Book is appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school, with modifications.
Topics covered in The Mineral Book include:
- the order and beauty of minerals
- properties of minerals
- mineral identification
- notable mineralogists from the past
- mineral identification guide
- periodic table of the elements
- mineral pigments from around the world pull-out poster
The Mineral Book is comprehensive, yet less than 100 pages long, so it is easy to grab and go. For students in traditional school, this book would be a good resource for projects and research. There are several hands-on activity ideas and some tips for beginning your own mineral collection.
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My daughter has always been interested in minerals and crystals. She would be very interested in this book. She wants to go to college to be a geologist.
I never thought about including geology in our science curriculum until my middle son began showing a strong interest in science. We’re doing all sorts of interesting things this year, and this book has been a winner. Thanks for stopping by, C. Lee!