Rocks and Minerals

A student wants to classify rocks he collected in his backyard. Which is NOT a question that we can ask to classify rocks and minerals?

• Is it all one color?

• Is it shiny or dull?

• Is it smooth or rough?

• How big is it?

There are several examples of rocks and minerals on a lab table. Bob chooses a sample that is gray, with black layers. When he uses a magnifying glass, he observes small crystals throughout the sample. He is able to scratch the surface of the rock with a penny. What attributes has Bob observed?

• color, size, height

• color, texture, hardness

• luster, texture, weight

• size, weight, color

Kevin was given the following clue card to help identify 2 samples as rocks or minerals. What question can Kevin ask to help determine which sample is a rock?

• Is the sample made of more than one type of material?

• Is the sample dirty?

• Is the sample hard to break?

• Does the sample have smooth, flat sides?

The students in Mr. Rowe’s third grade class are observing and classifying minerals. One group has decided they want to group their minerals by luster. Which question will best help the students classify the minerals?

• What does the mineral feel like?

• What color is each mineral?

• Can the mineral be scratched?

• Is the mineral shiny or dull?

Which of the following is NOT a property that can be used to identify a mineral?

• luster
• color
• weight
• hardness

A solid material that is made up of one or more minerals.

• mineral
• rock
• fossil
• soil

Tags

NGSS.5-PS1-3

What is luster?

• A form of soil

• A type of plant in the forest

• The way a mineral shines, or reflects light

• The way an object feels to the touch.

Texture is the way something feels

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.2-PS1-1

Which of these will MOST likely help the student to figure out that these are different types of rocks?

• the size difference
• the weight difference
• the difference in their texture
• the difference in their shape

Every rock is made up of ___________________

• minerals

• insects

• weathering

• mica

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1