S1 Science
Rocks, Minerals and
Elements
Homework Booklet
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Homework 1;The Earth and Rocks
Look at the diagram of the 4 layers of the earth below.
1. Write down the parts of the earths labeled A-D.
2. Match up each type of rock to how it was formed.
Igneous rocks
Form when tiny particles
settle out in layers
Metamorphic rocks
Form when molten rock cools
down and solidifies
Form when rock is heated to
high temperatures and
pressures but does not melt
Sedimentary rocks
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Homework 2; Identifying Different Rocks
Use the following flow chart to answer the questions on the next page.
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Use the flow chart on the previous page to answer these
questions.
1. A is a rock made of crystals that are irregularly arranged
and quite easy to see.
What is A?
2. B is a rock made of crystals that are regularly arranged in
wavy bands.
What is B?
3. C is a rock that does not contain crystals but does fizz when
acid id added to it.
What is C?
4. D is made up of crystals that are irregularly arranged and
you need a microscope to see them.
What is D?
5. E is a rock that does not contain crystals and does not fizz
with acid. Its particles are different sizes.
What is E?
6. Use the flow chart to describe the following rocks to
someone who has never seen them.
(i) Conglomerate _________________________________
(ii) Gneiss ______________________________________
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Homework 3; Elements and the Periodic Table
1. Look at an outline of the Periodic Table shown
below.
Each of the letters corresponds to the name of an element.
Use the periodic table on the next page to copy and complete
the tables below.
Letter Element
a
Magnesium
Symbol Letter Element Symbol
Mg
f
b
g
c
h
d
i
e
j
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2. Use the periodic table to help you to copy and
complete each of the following sentences.
a) The symbol for calcium is ____ and not C because
C is the symbol for ____________.
b) The symbol for silicon is ____and not S because S
is the symbol for __________.
c) The Latin name for potassium is Kalium and that is
why it has the symbol_____.
d) The Latin name for sodium is Natrium. It has the
symbol _____ and not N because N is the symbol
for ________ .
3. Imagine that a new element has been discovered in
Scotland and is to be called Caledonium. Look at a
Periodic Table to help you to copy and complete each of
the following sentences.
a) Caledonium cannot have the symbol C because C is
the symbol for __________
b) It cannot have the symbol Ca because Ca is the
symbol for __________
c) It cannot have the symbol Cl because Cl is the
symbol for __________
d) It cannot have the symbol Ce because Ce is the
symbol for __________
e) It cannot have the symbol Cd because Cd is the
symbol for __________
f) It cannot have the symbol Co because Co is the
symbol for __________
g) Caledonium could have the symbol _____ because
no other element in the Periodic Table has that
symbol.
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Homework 4; Properties of Elements
1. How many groups are there in the Periodic Table?
2. Are there more metals than non-metals?
3. Look at the following properties.
 Malleable
 Strong
 Doesn’t conduct electricity
 High melting and boiling points
 Brittle
 Makes a dull noise when hit
Sort the list into properties of;
(i) Metals and (ii) Non-metals
4. Use the periodic table to copy and complete the following
table;
Element
Sodium
Magnesium
Oxygen
Helium
Aluminium
Calcium
Sulphur
Bromine
Carbon
Symbol Metal/Nonmetal
Group
Number
Solid,
Liquid or
Gas
Metal
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He
Solid
Non-Metal
C
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Home Research Activities
1. Rock Star!
(page 4 of booklet)
(From page 4 of booklet)
You have chosen a rock or mineral from the display of minerals
on the trolley. You have noted it’s name, put it back and now
you need to find out as much as you can about it. You can use
the internet or books from the library. Write a report on your
mineral.
Include in the report:
 Where in the world the rock/mineral is found
 How much of it exists
 What it looks like
 How it is mined
 What it is used for
 Is it valuable or not?
2. You’re the Chemist! – (Page 32 of booklet)
Imagine you are a brilliant Chemist and have discovered a new
element. Write a report on your element. Name your element,
give it a symbol and describe how it looks and what it can be
used for. (Remember it must have a different symbol from all
the other elements)
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