Standard #: SC.4.E.6.2


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Identify the physical properties of common earth-forming minerals, including hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and streak color, and recognize the role of minerals in the formation of rocks.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 4
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Idea: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Big Idea: Earth Structures - Humans continue to explore the composition and structure of the surface of Earth. External sources of energy have continuously altered the features of Earth by means of both constructive and destructive forces. All life, including human civilization, is dependent on Earth’s water and natural resources.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
5020050: Science - Grade Four (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7720050: Access Science Grade 4 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
5020110: STEM Lab Grade 4 (Specifically in versions: 2016 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.4.E.6.In.2 Identify physical properties (hardness, streak color, and luster) of common minerals, such as rock salt, talc, gold, and silver.
SC.4.E.6.Su.2 Sort common minerals, such as rock salt, talc, gold, and silver, by their physical properties (luster and color).
SC.4.E.6.Pa.2 Recognize common minerals, such as rock salt, talc, gold, and silver.


Related Resources

Image/Photograph

Name Description
Rocks for Kids This resource collection includes information about rocks and minerals. Included are glossaries, photos/images, links to other rock/mineral websites, and other information to develop understandings of rocks/minerals and the processes by which they are formed. A table of contents is included to guide navigation.

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Rocks

Students will use their knowledge of minerals and the rock cycle to analyze the rocks on three available sites for a new skate park. After analyzing each rock site, they will write a one page recommendation that will explain the classification of the rock and why it is the best for option for building. In addition, they will create a product plan that contains information on the rocks, their history and their uses. Student groups will present to fellow group members then each student will evaluate the products.

Physical Properties of Minerals Lab

The 5E Learning Cycle lesson introduces students to the concept of minerals and their physical properties of hardness, color, streak color, luster, and cleavage. Students will explore the properties of minerals and learn about and practice determining the specific properties of a mineral sample.

Physical Properties of Minerals Student Activity Lab

During this lab activity students will use their knowledge of the physical properties of minerals to investigate and describe seven common minerals including quartz, feldspar, biotite mica, calcite, pyrite, graphite, and talc. Students will determine hardness, color, luster, streak color, and cleavage using various hands-on testing methods.

Mastering Minerals!

This MEA requires Students to review data and rank minerals from best to worst in terms of mineral properties, to help a mineral jeweler decide on the best mineral to use to make a necklace. Students will consider hardness, luster, color, cleavage and safety by analyzing the given charts which include these data by mineral. Students will work as a group and create a model for ranking the minerals.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Rocks, Rocks, Everywhere The students will be able to sort rocks based upon color, hardness, texture, layering and particle size.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Properties of Minerals

Explore the characteristics of minerals in our rock formations and what makes them unique. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about simple tests that are used to identify minerals.

Unit/Lesson Sequence

Name Description
Rocks and Minerals

In this unit, students learn the physical properties of rocks and how they are formed.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Properties of Minerals:

Explore the characteristics of minerals in our rock formations and what makes them unique. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about simple tests that are used to identify minerals.



Parent Resources

Image/Photograph

Name Description
Rocks for Kids: This resource collection includes information about rocks and minerals. Included are glossaries, photos/images, links to other rock/mineral websites, and other information to develop understandings of rocks/minerals and the processes by which they are formed. A table of contents is included to guide navigation.


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