Rocks and Minerals

Describe the rock...

(select all that apply)

• it is green

• it is smooth

• it is dull

• it is shiny

Which words describe luster? Pick all that apply...

• mineral

• shiny

• dull

What is a mineral?

• the center of the moon

• a rock that has been changed by heat

• a rock that has been changed by pressure

• a solid object that has never been alive

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Describe the rock... (select all that apply...)

• smooth

• black

• dull

• bumpy

Describe this rock...

(select all that apply)

• sharp

• yellow

• purple

• shiny

If you kept this rock on a table in your bedroom, would it change to a different type of rock in a year?

• yes, it will change

• no, it will not change

A student was outside rock collecting and found a specimen on the ground. What question should they ask to determine if it is a rock or a mineral?

• How heavy is the specimen?

• Is the specimen made of the same material throughout?

• How big is the specimen?

• Is the specimen hard or soft?

John rubs together a soft mineral and a hard mineral. What will most likely happen when the minerals are rubbed against each other?

• The harder mineral will scratch the softer mineral.

• The minerals will both leave scratches on the other

• The minerals will not leave any scratches on each other.

• The softer mineral will scratch the harder mineral

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

There are several examples of rocks and minerals on a lab table. Josh chooses a sample that is gray, with black layers. When he uses a hand lens, he observes small crystals throughout the sample. The sample weighs about 12 grams and it breaks very easily. What questions could Josh ask that would help him determine if the sample is a rock or a mineral?

• How many materials make up the sample? How many grams does the sample weigh?

• Is the sample easy to break open? What is the color of the sample?

• Does the sample have crystals? How much does the sample weigh?

• Is the sample made out of only one material?

Which is not a way to identify a rock?

• weight

• texture

• hardness

• color