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High Tech Rocks! STEM Kit

Explore how natural mineral resources are optimized for high-tech electronic devises!

The storyline in this STEM kit takes students on an exploration of how the shape of the unit cell of a crystal structure causes different useful properties. Students use dynamic tools to model quenching and annealing of molten metal and use a phase diagram to predict what metal they are electroplating from a green liquid. The students gain an understanding of the techniques used by solid-state chemist, Dr. Jamie Neilson, in his lab at CSU.

Science and Engineering Practices include: 1) developing and using models; 2) analyzing and interpreting data; 3) using mathematics and computational thinking; 4) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Crosscutting concepts include: 1) patterns; 2) cause and effect; 3) scale, proportion and quantity; 4) systems and system models; 5) energy and matter in systems; 6) structure and function

Class Requirements

  • 7th grade and up
  • Moderate teacher preparation
  • One to two class periods
  • 30 students or less working in pairs
  • Science notebooks
  • Safety goggles
  • Sink

High Tech Rocks! STEM Kit Resources

Next Generation Science Standards: Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • MS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical properties (for any bulk quantity under given conditions) that can be used to identify it. Solids may be formed from molecules, or they may be extended structures with repeating sub-units (e.g., crystals). The changes of state that occur with variations in temperature or pressure can be described and predicted using these models of matter.
  • MS-ESS3.A: Natural Resources Human’s depend on Earth’s land, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere for many different resources. Minerals, fresh water, and biosphere resources are limited, and many are not renewable or replaceable over human lifetimes.
  • HS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter The structure and interactions of matter at the bulk scale are determined by electrical forces within and between atoms.
  • HS-PS2.B: Types and Interactions Attraction and repulsion between electrical charges at the atomic scale explain the structure, properties, and transformations of matter, as well as contact forces between material objects.

Borrowing High Tech Rocks! STEM Kits

There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Jordan Conley (jordan.conley@colostate.edu).