Lesson Summary The first process the students use to separate the Mock Rock ingredients is to physically break the rock down into identifiable parts.  After that step, students will combine the powdery leftover substance with water to further break it down.  This process of breaking down the Mock Rock helps students to grow in their understanding that real rocks are made up of minerals.  Rocks can be broken down into these more basic elements, while minerals cannot be broken down further. Teacher Background There are a variety of ways to separate out a rock’s most basic “ingredients” (minerals).  Of these, students experience physically separating out different size pieces, mixing with water, and evaporating.  The step of breaking apart the Mock Rocks will generally reveal red and green gravel, oyster shells, and a powdery substance.  Mixing water with that powder and allowing the contents to settle overnight allows the heavier particles to settle at the bottom of the vial.  Students will see a sandy layer at the bottom of the vial, then layers of smaller pieces, silt and possibly flour.  The water left at the top will not be clear.  Its contents will be separated out further in Part 3 of Investigation 1. Set-up/Management Tips Be sure to have students use goggles when taking Mock Rocks apart with the “geologist’s pick,” as small rock pieces do fly.  It is also a good idea to have students put a spiral notebook or folder underneath the paper plate to prevent scratching desks. Students may need some practice with using the syringe to draw up water and fill vials.  Keep paper towels handy and student notebooks out of the way. Literacy Support Books Available Through VAST Mediagraphies: (see Literacy Links) Word Wall/Word Bank The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: rock mineral dissolve