Minerals and Their Properties

What You'll Learn

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a crystalline structure and definite chemical composition. Minerals are identified by hardness, luster, color, streak, and cleavage.

Key Words

rock cycle
aquifer

Materials Needed

food coloring
clear container
rocks
sand

Safety First

Wash hands after handling materials.
Be careful with scissors — ask an adult for help if needed.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on Earth Systems before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Model plate tectonics using graham crackers on frosting. Push them together, pull them apart, and slide them past each other to show convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What makes soil fertile?