Earth Materials Learning Map
Know
Rocks and Minerals
(Mock Rocks- Investigation 1)
-geology
-geologist
-property
-circumference
-diameter
-depth
-crystal
-meter tape
-balance
-mass
-rock
-mineral
-dissolve
-evaporate
Hardness: A Mineral Property
(Scratch Test- Investigation 2)
-hardness
-quartz
-gypsum
-calcite
-fluorite
Calcite: A Common Mineral
(Calcite Quest- Investigation 3)
-basalt
-limestone
-marble
-sandstone
-vinegar
-acid
-evidence
-evaporation
-crystal patterns
Granite
(Take it for Granite- Investigation 4)
-granite
-feldspar
-hornblend
-mica
Understand
Rocks and Minerals
An earth material has properties that can be
observed and described.
A rock is an earth material composed of
different ingredients called minerals.
A mineral is a rock ingredient that cannot be
broken down.
Hardness: A Mineral Property
A mineral is a basic earth material that cannot
be broken down any further.
Hardness, a mineral property, is the resistance
of a mineral to being scratched.
Calcite: A Common Minerals
Do
Rocks and Minerals
Observe and describe the physical properties
of mock rocks. Use measuring tools to gather
data about mock rocks. Record and compare
observations about mock rocks. Observe that
mock rocks can be broken down into different
ingredients called minerals. Observe that
some ingredients dissolve in water. Observe
that dissolved ingredients appear as crystals
when water evaporates. Identify some
ingredients by their crystalline shapes or
patterns. Use scientific thinking process to
conduct investigations and build explanations.
Hardness: A Mineral Property
Explore the properties of minerals.
Investigate the hardness of minerals.
Order minerals according to hardness.
Calcite: A Common Mineral
Investigate four rocks to find out if they
contain calcite. Observe fizzing when the
mineral calcite is put into vinegar. Observe
and compare the results of evaporation.
Use observations and data to develop
evidence to support conclusions.
Rocks are earth materials composed of a
mixture of one or more minerals.
Different minerals have different properties.
When a solid dissolves into a liquid it can be
recovered by evaporating the liquid.
Crystal residue from evaporation can provide
evidence that calcite is an ingredient in a rock.
A unique property of calcite is its reaction with
Granite
cold acid.
Organize a set of samples by sorting rocks and
Granite
minerals. Analyze a granite sample to
A property of an earth material can be
determine which minerals are present.
observed and described.
Communicate evidence of minerals in granite.
Earth Materials Learning Map
Key Learning: Rocks have properties and are made up of a combination of minerals.
Unit Essential Question: How do you determine the properties of rocks and minerals?
Rocks and Minerals
Hardness: A Mineral Property
Calcite: A Common Mineral
(Mock Rocks: Investigation 1)
(Scratch Test: Investigation 2)
(Calcite Quest: Investigation 3)
Granite
(Take it for Granite: Investigation4)
Lesson Essential Questions:
Lesson Essential Questions:
Lesson Essential Questions:
Lesson Essential Questions:
How do we use properties to
identify rocks and minerals?
What properties can be used to
identify minerals?
What are your responsibilities in
managing earth’s resources?
What are the mineral ingredients in
granite?
What are the similarities and
differences between rocks and
minerals?
What can be used to determine
hardness?
How do natural events change
Earth’s materials?
How can your fingernail, paper clip,
and penny help determine
hardness?
What other tests can we do to know
for sure which rocks contain calcite?
Vocabulary:
hardness, quartz, gypsum,
calcite, fluorite
Vocabulary:
basalt, limestone, marble,
sandstone, vinegar, acid,
evidence, evaporation, crystal
patterns
How can we determine the
ingredients of a rock?
How do you separate the
ingredients of a rock?
What are the ingredients of mock
rocks? What evidence do you have
to support your conclusion?
Vocabulary:
geology, geologist, property,
circumference, diameter, depth,
meter tape, balance, mass, rock,
mineral, dissolve, crystal,
evaporate
Vocabulary:
granite, feldspare, hornblende,
mica