WHAT IS ROCKCHECK?
The RockCheck application is a digital teaching tool that enhances the effectiveness of teaching and learning about rocks and geological topics in formal school systems. The material is based on the typical rock categories and customized to meet the requirements of students, teachers, and the general public. Compared to textbooks, the educational tool RockCheck is more engaging to use and may be creatively paired with active learning strategies.
The opportunity for participatory learning in both the classroom and in the outdoors is combined, which is its main strength. Users do not need to have any prior knowledge to use the app; all they need to do is follow the directions to learn the names of common rocks. The software employs the experimental observational-based learning technique and includes visual learning aids.
HOW DOES ROCKCHECK WORK?
The RockKey, Encyclopedia, and School of Rock sections make up the bulk of the RockCheck program.
The primary chapter introduces the “Rock key,” which uses a straightforward dichotomous decision key in which you may identify a rock’s name by responding “yes” or “no” to a question. You can use the links that are highlighted in orange to further your understanding of the geological terms and rock properties covered in the chapter School of Rock as you go through the questions. For the purpose of promoting autonomous learning and experimentation, this chapter also includes brief descriptions and videos of several methods for inspecting rocks. You may learn more about the examined rock in general, about its look, formation, and use, by using the answers in the rock key to navigate to the name of your rock and the chapter Encyclopedia.
An interactive and experimental workshop that gives an overview of how to utilize the program as a learning tool was developed as a significant project enhancement. The program covers a range of issues that are addressed using various teaching techniques and takes a unique approach based on examining and evaluating the qualities of minerals and rocks.
