The Earth is full of rocks! Some of those rocks are special - they are called gems. There are special gems called birthstones and they are paired with the months of the year. Birthstones are thought to bring good luck to those born in that month. Let's find out more about these special rocks...
certain rocks can become crystals and other gems...
First you need to answer this question...
What is your birthstone?
(Look in the encyclopedia, almanac, non-fiction book, or the Internet to find this information.)
Now that you know your birthstone - let's begin some research...
You are working towards a final PowerPoint presentation where you can share all of your findings with your classmates and other 4th grade students.
Remember!!!!!
Keep a list of the places you have searched and found information. These need to be included in your bibliography.
You must look for facts in 1 encyclopedia, 3 books, and 2 websites. You may look in more books or at more web sites but not less than the amount stated.
Suggested places to look:
- general encyclopedia (reference area)
- science encyclopedia (reference area)
- alamanac (reference area)
- reference books
- nonfiction books
- magazines
- CD-ROMs
- Internet sites (only list of sites found on this WebQuest)
- Dictionary
Keep notes about what you have found. Remember not to copy word for word what someone else wrote.
This list of questions about your birthstone will help give you some ideas to start your research project.
Also, share your findings with your e-pal or pen pal (who has the same birthstone) from one of the other schools.
Created by Mary Ann Boylan, Meredith Inkeles, and Susan Martin on October 17, 1999
Photo of the Grand Canyon taken July 1996 by Miss Inkeles
Picture of crystal provided by NCREL's The Amazing Picture Machine
