Comparing Rocks from Hawaii and Continental Volcanoes (Grades 4-6)
Hand samples of basalt and andesite or dacite can be used to
illustrate the different rock types of Hawaiian and continental
volcanoes. Compare the color of the rocks. Using a binocular
microscope, a hand lens, or the unaided eye, identify the minerals. List
the minerals in each rock in order of decreasing abundance. Compare the
lists. Is mineralogy a good indicator of rock composition? Rock samples
can be ordered from Nasco Science Company, Ward's (1-800-962-2660), or
Omni Resources (1-919-227-8300).
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