{"product_id":"minerals-model-set","title":"Minerals Model Set","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinerals Model Set\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore the building blocks of Earth's crust through hands-on molecular modeling!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Minerals Model Set allows students to investigate the structure of silicate minerals, the most abundant group of minerals found in Earth's crust and mantle. By constructing three-dimensional models of silica tetrahedra and the six major classes of silicate minerals, students gain a deeper understanding of mineral chemistry, crystal structures, and the relationship between atomic arrangement and physical properties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough guided inquiry and model building, students discover how a simple silicon-oxygen tetrahedron can be arranged into an incredible variety of mineral structures, including olivine, tourmaline, augite, tremolite, biotite, quartz, and feldspar. Students also explore crystal lattices, unit cells, and the use of X-ray diffraction in determining mineral structures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat Students Learn\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComposition and structure of silicate minerals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe silica tetrahedron as the fundamental building block of minerals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThe six major classes of silicate minerals:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNesosilicates (Island Silicates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSorosilicates (Double-Island Silicates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCyclosilicates (Ring Silicates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInosilicates (Chain Silicates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhyllosilicates (Sheet Silicates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTectosilicates (Framework Silicates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRelationships between atomic structure and mineral properties\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrystal lattices and unit cells\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eX-ray diffraction and crystal structure determination\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy silicate minerals dominate Earth's crust\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncluded Activity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe set includes a comprehensive modeling activity designed for approximately two 50-minute class periods. Students:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConstruct silica tetrahedra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuild representative models of major silicate mineral groups\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssemble quartz and feldspar framework structures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompare different silicate arrangements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExamine unit cells and crystal lattices\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInvestigate how mineral structures are determined using X-ray diffraction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplete guided analysis and application questions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA teacher answer key is included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Teachers Love It\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMakes abstract mineral structures visible and tangible\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReinforces Earth Science, Geology, Chemistry, and Crystallography concepts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides a powerful visual connection between atomic structure and mineral properties\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEncourages inquiry-based and hands-on learning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDemonstrates how a limited number of elements create a vast diversity of minerals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReusable classroom resource for years of instruction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApplications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStudents can build and investigate models of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlivine (Island Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHemimorphite (Double-Island Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTourmaline (Ring Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAugite (Single-Chain Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTremolite (Double-Chain Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBiotite (Sheet Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuartz (Framework Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeldspar (Framework Silicate)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Grade Levels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrades 8–College\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTime Required\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately two 50-minute class periods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelp students visualize the structures that make up more than 90% of Earth's crust while exploring the fascinating connection between chemistry, geology, and crystallography with the Minerals Model Set from Mega Molecules.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/4651\/6580\/files\/Modeling_Activity_for_Silicate_Minerals.pdf?v=1781249413\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Modeling Activity for Minerals Model Set\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModeling Activity for Minerals Model Set\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mega Molecules","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48555929567332,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/4651\/6580\/files\/MEGAMOLECULES-GRAYBCKGRND-TONYLI-20260428-0047.jpg?v=1781246342","url":"https:\/\/megamolecules.com\/products\/minerals-model-set","provider":"Mega Molecules","version":"1.0","type":"link"}