Lesson Summary Learners observe and record about the properties of unknown mineral samples.  They are then given the task of identifying a white mineral.  They discover that they need more information, as 3 of the 4 minerals could fit that description. Teacher Background A mineral is a basic earth material that cannot be broken down any further.  Many minerals can share similar properties, when it comes to easily observable properties, such as color and luster.  For that reason, minerals are most accurately identified by several properties, including hardness.  Hardness is the quality that tells how easily a mineral can be scratched.  It is important that the children make careful, accurate observations, noting the differences between the mineral samples.  Mineral samples can also be compared to one another by scratching them together.  The harder mineral will leave a scratch on the softer one. Set-up/Management Tips Become familiar with the 4 new minerals and their properties. Do not reveal the identity of the minerals as you hand them out to students.  It works best to hand out the minerals one at a time, having students make their careful observations, share out with group members, refine those observations, and place the mineral by the appropriate number on the Mineral Identification Sheet before handing out the next mineral to the whole group. Be sure to emphasize with the children that they are using only minerals in this lesson. Literacy Support Books Available Through VAST Mediagraphies: (see Literacy Links) Science Stories Selection(s) “Treasure Underfoot" “X Marks the Spot” Word Wall/Word Bank The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: