When you hear the word 'Olympics', what sports come to mind first? Chances are, one of those sports would be athletics, especially the running events like the exciting sprints, the nail-biting hurdles or the gruelling marathon. For many people, it is athletics that define the Olympic Games.

What do minerals, the building blocks of rocks, have to do with athletics and the Olympics? Plenty! Much of the equipment athletes use and that which measures their performance is made from minerals.

This unit, including information sheets and student activities will help you find out more.