ESS.4.2.1

Carry out investigations to classify minerals using tests for the physical properties of hardness, color, luster, cleavage and streak.

District Recommended Resources for 4th Grade Science

Rocks and Minerals

Kit rental options are available. See your administrator.

Appalachian State University - Fossils and Geologic Time

Science Phenomena Resources

Other Phenomena Sites

Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel

Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals

NC K-12 Science Supporting Document Grade 4

Dimension 1:

Science and Engineering Practice: Plan and Carry Out Investigations: Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence, using fair tests in which variables are controlled and the number of trials considered (NSTA SEP Matrix)

Dimension 2:

Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns, Cause and Effect

Dimension 3:

Disciplinary Core Ideas:

PS1.A Measurements of a variety of properties (e.g., hardness, reflectivity) can be used to identify particular materials (A Framework for K-12 Science Education).

Sample Essential Questions

Vocabulary

What are some ways to test for minerals using the physical properties of hardness, color, luster, cleavage and streak?
What is a mineral and how can it be identified?
How is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness used to test the physical property of hardness?

cleavage
color
conduct
float
hardness
heat
liquid
luster
magnetic

minerals
physical properties
scratch test
sink
solid
streak
tiles
weight/mass

Students will be able to...

Describe the color, luster, and cleavage of a mineral.
Classify minerals based on physical properties.
Plan and Carry Out Investigations- Make observations and/or measurements to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation (e.g., students record observations on various minerals indicating hardness, color, luster, etc.).
Analyzing and Interpreting Data - Represent data in tables and/or various graphical displays (bar graphs, pictographs, and/or pie charts) to reveal patterns that indicate relationships (e.g., students organize their observations (data) on minerals into charts, finding patterns (color, hardness, ability to float or sink, magnetic, etc.).
Classify - Determining that something belongs to a category based on relevant features or patterns.

Students will know...

Matter has observable properties that can be measured and described based on its characteristics (e.g., strength, hardness, flexibility, ability to conduct heat, ability to be attracted by a magnet, reactions to water (dissolve) and heat/fire (melt/evaporate).
Minerals can be identified using particular tests (e.g. hardness, streak).

Step 2: Assessment

Formative Assessments

Writing Prompts

Can a mineral be classified using only the physical property of color? Explain your reasoning.
What are some physical properties of the minerals? (e.g., color, hardness, luster, etc.)
What are some similarities and differences among the minerals? (e.g., same hardness, or streak).
How do size and shape affect color or streak? (e.g., it does not affect color or streak).

Mini Projects and Investigations

Mineral Classification Fair (Plan and Carry Out investigations)
- What property of the mineral will be tested?
- How will you test the mineral’s properties without changing other variables?
- How will you collect data?
- What did the investigation reveal?
Mystery Rocks
- Using the physical properties of minerals, correctly identify a sample of rocks based on mineral tests.

NCDPI Formative Assessment Samples

4th Grade

Mastery Connect

ESS.4.2 Summative-Biamby-WCS

Culminating Activity

Interview a geologist:
- Working with a partner create 5 questions could you ask a geologist about testing minerals. Find the answer to your questions using your notes or other teacher provided materials/websites.
- Create a script for the interview and perform your skit for the class.
- See Rubric for scoring and suggested script format.

Step 3: Lesson Instructions

Possible Activating Strategies

Turn and Talk:

What are diamonds and how are they made? Have students discuss their thoughts.
Lead students in introductory mini lesson https://mysteryscience.com/mini-lessons/diamonds#slide-id-6206
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