Copies of Physical Properties chart, or help students make their own 5. For example, granite is relatively light in color, while basalt is dark. This is actually more important than a color such as red or brown, because darkness often indicates mineral content. Test the hardness of the rocks using the suggested tools. This property is enhanced by first scratching the specimen and then applying the droplet to the scratched powder.
Students place their rock properties charts into their science notebooks.
The teacher may wish to evaluate the accuracy of these charts according to a pre-determined correct copy. Then they will make a creation from rocks. A collection of books, pamphlets, or other information about rocks and their uses in world culture and history 2. Science notebooks 3. Students research written or media materials provided and write brief reports on interesting uses of rocks.