Printable Resources
Science Rocks
Appendix A: Pre/Post-Test
Appendix B: Pre/Post-Test ANSWER KEY
Appendix C: Rock Record Logbook
Appendix D: Testing Characteristics of Rock Samples
Appendix E: PowerPoint Dichotomous Key Peer Review
Appendix F: Performance Rubric
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Science Rocks
Appendix A: Pre/Post-Test
Name __________________________________ Date ____________ Period ______
1. If you walk outside and look at the ground, you might see a rock. Geologists can tell
certain things about a rock just by observing it. Much of the time, they can tell what
kind of rock it is. What process might a scientist use to classify an unknown rock
sample? (2 points)
___________________________________________________________________
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2.
A student records the Mohs hardness values of four mineral samples in this table.
Based on the data, which statement about the minerals
Mohs Hardness Values
is correct?
Mineral
Hardness
A. Apatite can scratch quartz and topaz
Gypsum
2
B. Quartz can scratch topaz and apatite
Apatite
5
C. Gypsum can scratch apatite, quartz, and topaz
Quartz
7
D. Topaz can scratch gypsum, apatite, and quartz
Topaz
8
3. When a mineral is rubbed against a porcelain plate, it can leave a colored powder,
called a "streak," on the plate. Why is streak color a useful test for identifying a
mineral sample?
A. Samples of the same type of mineral can have different streak colors, which
helps identify where the sample formed.
B. Samples of the same type of mineral may vary in surface color, but those
samples will still have the same streak color.
C. Each type of mineral has its own unique streak color, which allows any sample to
be positively identified by its streak.
D. Each type of mineral should have the same surface color as its streak color, but
impurities can change the streak color.
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4. Which of these properties is used to describe how the surface of a mineral reflects
light?
A. Color
B.
C. Luster
D. Shape
E. Streak
5. This table shows Mohs scale of hardness values for six
different minerals.
Glass is a material that can be scratched by topaz but not by
fluorite. What is the best estimate of the hardness of glass?
A. Equal to 4
B. Less than 4
C. Between 4 and 8
D. Between 8 and 10
Mohs Hardness Values
Mineral Hardness
Gypsum
2
Calcite
3
Fluorite
4
Quartz
7
Topaz
8
Diamond
10
6. Students are examining several unknown mineral samples. Which of these
characteristic properties can they best use to classify each sample?
A. Hardness
B. Heaviness
C. Shape
D. Size
7. This table shows the Mohs hardness value for some
minerals. A student has a piece of unidentified mineral. It can
be scratched by a piece of quartz, but it cannot be scratched
by a piece of fluorite.
Which of these could be the unidentified mineral?
A. Calcite
B. Corundum
C. Gypsum
D. Orthoclase
Mohs Hardness Values
Mineral
Hardness
Gypsum
2
Calcite
3
Fluorite
4
Orthoclase
6
Quartz
7
Corundum
9
8. Which type of rock can be hard and glassy?
A. Igneous rock
B. Weathered rock
C. Sedimentary rock
D. Metamorphic rock
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9. A 6th grade Science class has a cube shaped aquarium that has a volume of 138
cubic inches (see diagram 1.1). The Science teacher drops a rock that has a mass
of 20 grams into the tank. The tank then has a volume of 154 cubic inches (see
diagram 1.2). Given all the information provided determine the rock’s density. (2
points)
Diagram 1.1
Diagram 1.2
V = 138 in3
V = 154 in3
10. A graduated cylinder has been filled with 63 cubic centimeters of water. An
unknown rock was dropped into the graduated cylinder. The volume after the rock
was dropped was 78.4 cubic centimeters. Through a series of investigations it has
become apparent that the unknown rock type has a density of 3.5 g/cm3. What must
the mass of the unknown rock be?
A. 18 grams
B. 18.9 grams
C. 22.4 grams
D. 53.9 grams
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Appendix B: Pre/Post-Test ANSWER KEY
1. Rubric Scoring: The focus of the task is to illustrate the many ways of classifying
rock samples.
Sample Response:
A scientist may classify rock samples based upon hardness. The Mohs Scale of
Hardness consists of 10 classifications, 1 being the softest, and 10 being the
hardest. Finding the hardness of an unidentified sample can indicate the type of
mineral it is.
2pts:
The response provides evidence of a thorough understanding of classifying rock
samples by any of the following:
 Luster
 Hardness
 Cleavage
 Streak
 Magnetism
 Fluorescence
 Crystal shape
 Specific Gravity (Displacement)
1pt:
The response is vague or incomplete as it relates to the process for classifying rock
samples.
2. D
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. D
8. A
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9. Rubric Scoring: The focus of the task is determining the rock’s density using all
information provided.
Sample Correct Response:
Volume)154 - 138= 16in3
(Mass Provided) 20 grams
Density)
D = M/ V
D= 20/16
D= 1.25 g/cm3
2pts:
The response provides evidence of determining the correct density of the rock with
the appropriate units.
1pt:
The response provides clear evidence of solving problems related to density;
however, the solution may be incomplete or slightly flawed as it relates to finding the
density. For example,
 The student may fail to label his/her answer with the appropriate units.
 The response may contain or minor calculation error.
10. D
Question Type
1. Identifying/Classifying
2. Hardness
3. Streak
4. Identifying/Classifying
5. Hardness
6. Identifying/Classifying
7. Hardness
8. Identifying/Classifying
9. Density
10. Density
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Appendix C: Rock Record Logbook
Rock Record Logbook
Science Rocks
Name: _______________________________
Class: _______________________________
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All About My Rock
On this page you will document your
initial observations of your rock. It is
important to observe as many
characteristics as you can.
1. Use a hand lens and draw a
magnified picture of your rock in the
box to the right. Your picture should
be as detailed as possible. Make
sure you use color. If possible you
could take a picture of your rock and
glue it in the space to the right.
2. Describe how your rock feels to the
touch.
3. Describe what you see when you look at your rock. What else do you see?
4. Describe any other features that are unique to your rock? Have you seen your
rock before? If so, where?
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Rocks have many different properties. These properties are used to classify
different rocks. With your team, sort your rocks into three groups. After you have
formed three groups answer the questions below.
1. How did you decide on your groups?
2. What properties did you use to sort the rocks?
Use the list of websites on the next page to research and learn more about rock
properties and classification. Take notes below. You should research different
types of rocks, different properties of rocks, and Rock Families. Your notes don’t
need to be in complete sentences, but make sure you write enough details to
help you remember the information.
Rock Properties and Classification Research Notes:
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Helpful Websites
http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/a/Rock-Tables.htm
Rock identification tables with links to pictures of different rocks.
http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/rockkey/index.html
This is a rock identification key by Don Peck.
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geology-games/rocks-game.php
Who am I? Rock game to help identify types of rocks.
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geology-for-kids/0019-inside-of-earth.php
Click on the left banner to read and learn about the different types of rocks.
http://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/geology/rocks/
Read a short summary about the types of rocks. Click on the words in red to get
more information or click on the black words on the left to access specific types
of rocks.
http://andycamper.com/page?s=94
Read about types of rocks and they click on the picture to get more specific
information and watch a video about that particular rock.
http://www.kidsloverocks.com/html/types_of_rocks.html
A website dedicated to rocks. This page gives a brief description of the types of
rocks.
http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/expert/index.html
Rock Hounds rock activity. Click on a rock type and read about it. Also, there
are animations showing how sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks are
formed.
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Now that you have researched and learned more about rock classification, would
you keep your initial grouping the same? If so, why? If not, what would you
change and why?
Please record your final grouping below. Use team member names to identify
each rock. Check with your teacher…. Are you correct?
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Density Testing Data Sheet
You will complete the density test 3 times. After you have your three results you
will average them to find the final density value for your assigned rock. Use the
formula below for your calculations.
Density = Mass / Volume
Quantitative Data
Density Test Results
Rock Family
Evidence
Circle Your Hypothesis
Support Your Hypothesis
The answers may not be the
same each time
Cite specific results from your data to provide evidence to
provide reasoning for your hypothesis.
Test 1:
Metamorphic
Volume = ___________
Mass =
___________
Density = ___________
Sedimentary
Igneous
Test 2:
Metamorphic
Volume = ___________
Mass =
___________
Density = ___________
Sedimentary
Igneous
Test 3:
Metamorphic
Volume = ___________
Mass =
___________
Density = ___________
Sedimentary
Igneous
Metamorphic
Average Density
(𝐷1 + 𝐷2 + 𝐷3) ∕ 3
Sedimentary
Igneous
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Streak Testing Data Sheet
You will complete the scratch test 3 times. Understand that you may see different
results with each test. It is important accurately draw and describe the results for
each test.
Quantitative and/or
Qualitative Data
Streak Test Results
Rock Family
Evidence
Circle Your Hypothesis
Support Your Hypothesis
The answers may not be
the same each time
Cite specific results from your data to provide evidence to
provide reasoning for your hypothesis.
Test 1:
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous
Test 2:
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous
Test 3:
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous
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Hardness, Fluorescence, and Magnetic Testing Data Sheet
You will complete the following experiments 1 time. Be sure to include many
details in your descriptions. It is important to record everything that you observe
during each test.
Quantitative and/or
Qualitative Data
Rock Family
Evidence
Circle Your Hypothesis
Support Your Hypothesis
Hardness, Fluorescence, and
Magnetic Test Observations
The answers may not be
the same each time
Cite specific results from your data to provide evidence to
provide reasoning for your hypothesis.
Hardness Test Observations
Explain why you chose the item.
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous
Magnetic Test Observations
Explain in detail what happened with
each magnet. Include the data from the
iPhone app if applicable.
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous
Fluorescence Test Observations
Explain in detail what you observed.
Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous
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Based on your collected data from the five various testing stations, in which
family do you believe your rock belongs? Support your answer with evidence by
citing specific information from your collected data.
Draw or glue a sketch of your team’s Rock Dichotomous Key below.
You will need this for tomorrow’s activity.
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Reflection
Where might you find a Dichotomous Key used outside of the classroom?
Explain how it is used as a method for organizing.
Think outside the box. Could it be something other than a diagram, a system for
classifying, or a method for narrowing down items based on a specific property?
Where could you use a Dichotomous Key to better organize your life? Justify
your answer with specific details and descriptions of how this would make you
better organize your.
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Instructions for Creating a Dichotomous Key in PowerPoint
1. Take out your index cards and string, and open PowerPoint.
2. Create a slide for each index card by using the “New Slide” option on the lefthand side of the toolbar.
3. Next, format slides so that they are all blank. The simplest way to do this is:
a. Click on slide “1” in the navigation panel to the left of page.
b. Press the “Ctrl” and “A” keys simultaneously on the computer keyboard.
This will highlight all slides you have created, allowing you to format them
all at once.
c. To format the pages, click “Layout” on the toolbar; choose “Blank” for page
format. Now, all slides will have a blank format. Click “insert” then choose
what you would like to insert into each page (i.e., word art, text, pictures,
or documents).
4. For the dichotomous key, each page should include a “yes” or “no” question
to help categorize each rock. Use Word Art to create both a “YES” and a
“NO” button graphic.
5. Once the word art created, create a hyperlink that links both the “YES” and
“NO” Word Art graphics to the appropriate PowerPoint pages:
a. Left click on “Yes” and choose “hyperlink.”
b. From the hyperlink pop-up box, choose “Place in This Document.”
c. Choose the number of the slides in which you would like to link the “YES”
button graphic.
d. Next, do the same for the “NO” button graphic.

Note: a video tutorial can be viewed at: "How to Add Hyperlinks to a PowerPoint Presentation
For Dummies" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53QJAAqm-EA
6. At the end of each strand, provide the name of the rock sample the user has
in their possession.
In addition to “Yes” and “No” hyperlinks, include a “Return to the Beginning of
the Key” button at the end of each strand. This will allow users to return to the
beginning of the dichotomous key and identify another rock sample.
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Appendix D: Testing Characteristics of Rock Samples
DENSITY TESTING STATION
Density – a characteristic of elements that describe how much matter is
compacted into the space an element takes up
Directions for Finding Density
1. Use a balance to find the rock’s mass. Record the results on the line for
Mass.
2. Use a Graduated Cylinder to find the rock’s volume, as instructed below:
a. Fill the Graduated Cylinder half full with water. Write down the volume
level.
b. Carefully drop your rock into the water in the Graduated Cylinder. write
the new volume level. Note: if there is no change in the volume level, you
will need to use a smaller Graduated cylinder.
c. Calculate the rock’s volume by subtracting the first volume measurement
from the second volume measurement. Record the results on the line for
Volume.
3. To get the density of your rock, you must now divide mass by volume.
Density = Mass/Volume
4. After your third test, find the average density of your rock. To do this you will
use the following formula; (D1+D2+D3)/3 = Average Density
Possible Density Values per
Rock Family
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Igneous
2.4 – 3.4
Sedimentary
1.1 – 2.8
Metamorphic
1.1 – 2.9
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HARDNESS TESTING STATION
Mohs Scale is commonly used to categorize a minerals based on its hardness.
It was named after Frederick Mohs (1773-1839), a German mineralogist. It
consists of 10 fairly common minerals (except for the diamond) of known
hardness, which are numerically ordered from the softest (1) to the hardest (10).
As common sense dictates, Mohs Scale is based on the fact that a harder
material will scratch a softer one. A simple scratch test can help determine the
relative hardness of an unknown mineral.
HARDNESS
MINERAL
COMMON OBJECTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Talc
Gypsum
Calcite
Fluorite
Apatite
Orthoclase
Quartz
Topaz
Corundum
Diamond
Piece of Chalk
Fingernail
Copper Coin
Nail
Glass
Knife
Ceramic Tile
Steel File
Sapphire and Ruby
Directions for a Hardness Test
1. Hold your rock firmly in one hand.
2. Use the Steel Nail to scratch the surface of your rock. Record your
observation.
3. Use the penny (3 on Mohs scale) to scratch the surface of your rock. Record
your observation.
4. Use the file (6.5 – 7.5 on Mohs scale) to scratch the surface of your rock.
Record your observation.
5. Use your fingernail (2.5 on Mohs Scale) to scratch the surface of your rock.
Record your observation.
6. Perform each test three times.
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FLUORESCENCE AND MAGNETIC TESTING STATION
Fluorescence:
If you shine an ultraviolet light on certain minerals, they appear to glow. This is
called fluorescence. Some minerals always fluoresce the same color, while
others can fluoresce different colors*
Directions for Finding Fluorescence
1. Place your rock on the table.
2. Shine the black light onto the rock. Record your observations.
Mineral
Fluorite
Scheelite
Calcite
Scapolite
Rock Family
S, M
M
S, I, M
M
Key: S = Sedimentary; I = Igneous; M = Metamorphic
Magnetism:
Some minerals contain iron and can be magnetic. They act just like the fridge
magnets you find at home. Magnetite (iron oxide) is the only common mineral
that is strongly magnetic.
Directions for the Magnetism Test
1. Place your rock on the table.
2. Place the magnets on your rock and record your observation. If you are using
a phone or tablet app, place your rock above the phone or tablet. Record
your observations.
Mineral
Magnetite
Hematite
Pyrrhotite
Chromite
Franklinite
Rock Family
I
S, I, M
I
I, M
M
Key: S = Sedimentary; I = Igneous; M = Metamorphic
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STREAK TESTING STATION
A streak test can be used to identify a rock or mineral type. The “streak” is the
color of the mineral in powdered form. Some minerals will have a streak color
that is the same as its outer color, while others will have a streak color that is
very different from its outer color.
The tile hardness is approximately 7 on the Mohs Scale. Any rock with a
hardness above 7 will not leave a streak on the tile.
Directions for Streak Test
1. Scrape your rock across tile or sandpaper. Record your observation.
Mineral
Feldspar
Calcite
Hermatite
Magnetite
Pyrite
Quartz
Amphibole
Garnet
Olivine
Pyroxene
Mica
Dolomite
Chromite
Hornblende
Streak
White
White to gray
Dark red
Black
Green to black
White
Pale Green
White
Colorless
White
White
White
Dark Brown
Gray to greenish gray
Rock Family
S, I, M
S, I, M
I
I, M
S, I, M
SIM
IM
IM
IM
IM
IM
SIM
IM
I
Key: S = Sedimentary; I = Igneous; M = Metamorphic
More information about minerals can be found at http://www.minerals.net/MineralMain.aspx
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Appendix E: PowerPoint Dichotomous Key Peer Review
Name __________________________________ Date ____________ Period ______
Please review your classmates’ PowerPoint Presentations for the characteristics
below. Place a check mark after each characteristic that is present in the
Powerpoint. If the characteristic is not present, explain under the statement.
The PowerPoint correctly identified the rock
___________
The PowerPoint worked correctly from start to finish
___________
The questions were about rock properties
___________
Title Slide has Name, Picture, and Title
___________
Titles on each slide consistent size, font, and placement
___________
Consistent background color
___________
Consistent font size
___________
(easy to read)
Font Color is easy to read
___________
Color scheme compliments overall appeal of presentation
___________
Each word of each line starts with a capital letter
___________
No spelling errors
___________
Do all the questions have question marks?
___________
Pictures are appropriate and relevant
___________
Additional Comments:
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Appendix F: Performance Rubric
Name __________________________________ Date ____________ Period ______
3
2
1
Dichotomous Keys
Statements
Statements incorporate correct
domain-specific vocabulary terms.
Statements incorporate mostly
Domain-specific vocabulary terms
correct domain-specific vocabulary are used incorrectly, and many
terms, but some errors are evident. errors are evident.
Mechanics
No more than one spelling and/or
grammatical error in presentation.
Two to three spelling and/or
Four or more spelling and/or
grammatical errors in presentation. grammatical errors in presentation.
Identification
of Rocks
Users can accurately identify the
unknown rock, using the key with
no problem.
One glitch/malfunction causes key
to inaccurately identify unknown
rock.
More than one glitch/malfunction
causes key to inaccurately identify
unknown rock.
At least 60% of slides incorporate
technical art as a means to
reinforce the concept related to rock
identification.
40-59% of slides incorporate
technical art as a means to
reinforce the concept related to rock
identification.
Less than 40% of slides incorporate
technical art as a means to
reinforce the concept related to rock
identification.
Presentation has a sequence that
allows user to examine rocks with
intent of identification.
Presentation has a sequence that
Presentation lacks sequence;
makes it difficult for user to examine therefore, user cannot examine
rocks with intent of identification.
rocks to identify rock’s type.
Graphics
Organization
Journal
Density
Density trials have been completed
with accuracy, and accompanied by
detailed explanation of rock family
drawing, on data collected.
Density trials have been completed, Density trials have been completed,
and accompanied by detailed
but lack detailed explanation of rock
explanation of rock family,
family drawing on data collected.
correlating with data collected. Data
may be inaccurate based on
inaccuracy of test.
Scratch
Scratch trials have been completed
with accuracy, and accompanied by
detailed explanation of rock family
drawing on data collected.
Scratch trials have been completed, Scratch trials have been completed,
and accompanied by detailed
but lack detailed explanation of rock
explanation of rock family,
family drawing on data collected.
correlating with data collected. Data
may be inaccurate based on
inaccuracy of test.
Hardness test is complete and
accurate, and accompanied by a
detailed explanation of the rock
family drawing on data collected.
Hardness test is complete, and
Hardness test is complete, but lacks
accompanied by detailed
detailed explanation of rock family
explanation of rock family,
that correlates with data collected.
correlating with data collected. Data
may be inaccurate based on
inaccuracy of test.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence test is complete and
accurate, and is accompanied by a
detailed explanation of the rock
family drawing on data collected.
Fluorescence test is complete, and
accompanied by detailed
explanation of rock family,
correlating with data collected. Data
may be inaccurate based on
inaccuracy of test.
Magnetic
Magnetic test is complete and
accurate, and is accompanied by
detailed explanation of rock family
drawing on data collected.
Magnetic test is complete, and
Magnetic test is complete, but lacks
accompanied by detailed
detailed explanation of rock family
explanation of rock family,
that correlates with data collected.
correlating with data collected. Data
may be inaccurate based on
inaccuracy of test.
Hardness
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Fluorescence test is complete, but
lacks detailed explanation of rock
family that correlates with data
collected.
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