Characterization of minerals based on geological criteria by children in early school years in a non-formal educational setting

Abstract

This research is related to the design and evaluation of an educational intervention that focuses on classification of minerals based on geological criteria. A sample of 17 children at the age of 6-7 years participated in the intervention, which took place at the Mineralogy Laboratory of the University of Patras. The results demonstrate that the children have made a cognitive progress since they were able to classify minerals on the basis of their physical properties (color, transparency, luminescence) as a consequence of their participation in the intervention.