minerals

BPS Elementary Science Exemplars Project

Teacher’s Page

Grade:	Four
Topic:	Characteristics of Earth’s Surface
Instructional Materials:	The Solid Earth (DW)
*Special Instructions:	Present to the class a large handful of various mineral specimens. There is no need to discuss them in detail or to identify them.
MA LS (96 version):	Observe and describe familiar objects and events identifying details, similarities and differences.
MA LS (01 version):	Grade 3 – 5 Earth Science: Identify the physical properties of minerals (hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and streak) and explain how minerals can be tested for these different physical properties.
BPS LS:	Structure and function of the major bone groups in an animal
Technology Connection:	Rock Cycle Animation and audio explanation of the Rock Cycle http://www.brainpop.com/science/earth/rockcycle/index.weml Student uses a Word template. (See the templates section.)

*The teacher should encourage students to elaborate, give more than the minimum, and strive for a Level 4.

A student response correctly giving the minimum number of responses or details is a Level 3.

In order to achieve a Level 4, a student must go above and beyond what is asked. For example, the student gives more than the required minimum or makes additional connections.

Name: _____________________________________ Date: ________

You have just found an unknown mineral in the schoolyard. Explain at least three tests you could do to identify properties of the mineral.

TEST ONE - Property Tested:_________________________

Materials Needed: __________________________________

Procedure: _________________________________________________

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TEST TWO - Property Tested:__________________________

Materials Needed: ___________________________________

Procedure: __________________________________________________

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TEST THREE - Property Tested: ________________________

Materials Needed: ___________________________________

Procedure: __________________________________________________

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TEST FOUR - Property Tested:_________________________

Materials Needed: ___________________________________

Procedure: ___________________________________________________

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