Teacher: Katie Myers

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Science

Length of Lesson: 40 minutes
Desired Results

Indiana Academic Standard(s)

3.2.3 Classify and identify minerals by their physical properties of hardness, color, luster
and streak.
Enduring Understandings

Essential Question(s)

-how to perform the hardness and

streak test
-how to describe the luster of a mystery
mineral

-How do I determine the difference

between metallic, non-metallic, and
earthy when discussing the luster of a
mineral?
-How do I use information given to me
to determine which type of mineral I
have?

Knowledge and Skill Objectives

-SWBAT observe a mineral and explain the luster of it
-SWBAT observe the hardness test and estimate the hardness based on Mohs
Hardness Scale
-SWBAT determine the type of mineral based on information collected and match it with
information on a chart
Assessment Evidence
-chart to complete information about each mineral
-participation during discussion of each test
Learning Plan
Learning Activities
-read pages 116-118 in science workbook to learn about luster, hardness, and streak
-with each mineral:
-have the students observe the luster and record on chart
-perform the hardness test and have the students estimate
-perform the streak test and show the students the color and have them record
-test if the mineral is magnetic and record on chart
-use the chart on the front to compare results with
-have the students guess which type of mineral each sample is
Resources and Materials
5 different mineral samples, 5 streak plates, a magnet, a steel nail, a penny, a glass plate,
science workbook
Required Accommodations/Modifications
N/A
Myers________________________ Date_______ Period____

Na
me
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atie

Lesson Plan Evaluation & Teaching Reflection

Was the content worth knowing? Support your response.
Yes, the content was worth knowing. The students learned multiple tests to determine which type
of mineral it was and how to describe the results of each test.
Describe how the activity was developmentally appropriate.
This was developmentally appropriate because after testing each mineral, the students had to
compare our findings with the information given on the chart. By looking at each piece of
information, they had to match it up with the name of the mineral. This was a new process to them
and sometimes it took a little bit of time.
Give an example of how you know the activity was interesting to the children.
The students loved trying to figure out which type of mineral was which. Especially when I tested if
the mineral was magnetic, I asked them to guess if they thought it would be or not. Then after the
test was completed, they each reacted differently if their answer was correct or not.
Describe how the activity included opportunities for the children to test their knowledge.
After each test was performed, the students were asked to record the information on their chart. I
called on students to share their estimations or guesses for certain parts so it was completed as a
class. We also read pages in the workbook before which heled them with reading skills.
Describe a follow up activity that would build on concepts you have presented.
A good follow up activity would be giving them each their own mineral to try and identify it. I think it
would be very beneficial for the students to be able to do the tests themselves and have to figure it
out as a group.
What behavior(s) did you observe while presenting the activity? What do you think caused
the behavior(s)?
One behavior that I noticed during the activity was some side conversations and talking. I think
this occurred partly because they were sitting on the ground for so long and partly because they
got to choose their seats on the floor and could sit by their friends.
How did you involve the children in the closure of the activity?
The last test performed on each mineral was the magnet test. I asked the students to raise their
hand if they thought it would be magnetic and then again asked who thought it wouldnt. This
caused them to become very excited if they got the answer correct as I held it up to the mineral.
Describe what changes you would make and what you would keep the same if you
presented the activity again.
If I were to do this activity again, I would try to let the students touch the minerals if allowed. I
think they would learn a lot if they were to perform the test themselves. I would keep the lab the
same. I really liked how they had to compare their data with the already given information. Also,
the one lab covered multiple tests and I think it taught them a lot.