Answer: Minerals and rocks can be classified and identified based on their physical properties. The physical properties of minerals include hardness, streak, color, luster, and how they break. The physical properties of rocks include texture, color, and foliation. The physical properties of rocks can help us identify the rocks and tell us how they were formed.
In the lab, students were encouraged to look at different types of rocks and minerals. They were also told to observe the physical properties of the rocks and minerals. Based on these physical properties, the children were able to distinguish the different types of rocks and minerals. The major differences which the children will focus on will be the color, shape, hardness, luster, streak, fracture and cleavage of the rocks and minerals.
