Mineral Identification
Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify.
Launch GizmoMineral Identification
Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify.
5 Minute Preview
Use for 5 minutes a day.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Find the mass and volume of a mineral sample with a balance and a graduated cylinder.
- Calculate the density of a mineral sample by dividing its mass by its volume.
- Measure and observe the following mineral properties:
- Crystal form
- Luster
- Hardness
- Streak
- Reaction to acid
- Use a key to identify a mineral sample based on its properties.
VOCABULARY:
- crystal, density, hardness, luster, mass, mineral, streak, volume
LESSON MATERIALS:
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
User Submitted Lesson Materials (showing 5 of 12):
Mineral Identification Jigsaw Groups
This version divides the activity into 5 teams, so each team is only identifying 5 minerals instead of al... (more)l 25. Great for practicing communication and teamwork skills!
Best For:
Earth/Space Science
Mineral Identification Vocabulary Sheet-French
This is the French translation of the Vocabulary Sheet.
Best For:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade Science
Mineral Identification Student Exploration Sheet-French
This is the French translation of the Student Exploration Sheet.
Best For:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade Science
Mineral Identification Teacher Guide-French
This is the French translation of the Teacher Guide
Best For:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade Science
Mineral Identification Data Table
Here is a data table students can use for the remainder of the Mineral Identification Gizmo where they wi... (more)ll fill in information for Samples G through Z.
Best For:
Earth/Space Science
Show Remaining Lesson Materials (7)
User Recommendations (showing 5 of 18):
Enables students to practice at home and with more minerals than I can provide in class.
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from Virginia
Great way to teach students all the ways to test for mineral identification!
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from Virginia
Great resource for mineral identification. Can be used as an introduction to do testing in your classroom or just on its own.
Recommended for: Earth/Space ScienceGizmo User from International, unspecified
Easy for 4th graders. We do Activity A together and Activity B with a partner.
Recommended for: 4th Grade ScienceGizmo User from Florida
Show Remaining Recommendations (13)