Unit 2 Rocks and Minerals

Kendra has created a table to classify rocks. Which question should Kendra ask to complete the table?

• What is the color and luster of Rock Z?

• What is the streak and weight of Rock Z?

• Is Rock Z shinier than any of the other rocks?

• Is Rock Z darker than any of the other rocks?

The pictures show two rocks. Which question can scientists answer just by looking at the rocks?

• Which rock is harder?

• Which rock is heavier?

• Which rock has a smoother surface?

• Which rock acts as a stronger magnet?

Which question will be the BEST for students to ask to test out the hardness of a mineral?

• Is the mineral easy to scratch with other minerals provided?

• 
  Is the mineral as shiny as other minerals?

• Is the mineral only able to scratch using a diamond?

• Is the mineral smooth to the touch?

A student is testing attributes of a mineral. Which question should the student ask to determine the hardness of the mineral?

• What color is the mineral?

• How difficult it is to scratch a mineral?

• What does the surface of the mineral feel like?

• How much light is reflected off the surface of the mineral?

Which of the following is NOT used to identify a rock?

• color

• weight

• shape

• streak

A group of students are testing the luster of a mineral to share the results with the rest of the class. Which question should the group of students test to determine the luster of the mineral?

• Is the mineral easy or difficult to scratch?

• Is the surface of the mineral smooth or rough?

• How many colors are identified in the mineral?

• How does the mineral shine when light shines on it?

Which TWO questions could a scientist ask to classify rocks using their physical properties?

• What shape are the rocks?

• How shiny are the rocks?

• What color are the rocks?

• How much do the rocks weigh?

A student found a rock in his backyard and wants to figure out whether it is a rock or a mineral. Which is NOT a question that we can ask to identify if the sample is a rock or mineral?

• How big is it?

• Is it all one color?

• Is it smooth or rough?

• Is it made of one material?

What is it called when a rock is rubbed on a hard surface and leaves behind colored powder from a mineral?

• hardness

• pattern

• texture

• streak

Which question will help a scientist to classify a rock by its texture?

• How large is the rock?

• 
  Where was the rock found?

• Does the rock have many colors?

• Is the surface of the rock smooth?