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Florida Science Standards
SC.4.E.6.2 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.
SC.4.E.6.1 Identify the three categories of rocks: igneous, (formed from molten rock); sedimentary (pieces of other rocks and fossilized organisms); and metamorphic (formed from heat and pressure).
SC.4.E.6.4 Describe the basic differences between physical weathering (breaking down of rock by wind, water, ice, temperature change, and plants) and erosion (movement of rock by gravity, wind, water, and ice).
Connecting to Other Standards
While your students are studying minerals and rocks is a good time to reinforce SC.4.P.8.1 (Properties). It is also a perfect time to reinforce SC.4.E.6.5 by having students use magnifying glasses to examine specimens.
Key Concepts:
- Common tests to identify minerals.
- The three types of rocks and the rock cycle.
- Weathering and erosion
Misconception Alert:
Minerals: Be sure to read Rocks With No Minerals. This can help you avoid the common misconception that all rocks are made up of minerals.
Covering the Basics:
To give your students a basic understanding of this topic, do the following.
- This page will help you gather specimens to use for this unit: Where to get specimens
- If you have the time, go through the Minerals and Rocks Learnalong units. Working through these two units will fully cover the standards and give your students a strong foundation in minerals, rocks, and erosion.
- If you are limited on time, these pages will cover the key concepts in the shortest amount of time.:
Fun Facts
Supporting Standards from Previous Grades
SC.2.E.6.1 Recognize that Earth is made up of rocks. Rocks come in many sizes and shapes.
SC.2.E.6.2 Describe how small pieces of rock and dead plant and animal parts can be the basis of soil and explain the process by which soil is formed.
SC.2.E.6.3 Classify soil types based on color, texture (size of particles), the ability to retain water, and the ability to support the growth of plants.
If you need help with science questions, ways to explain or demonstrate concepts, or have a suggestion for an activity, please email me.