Enquiry question: How are rocks different?
Scientific skill: I can record findings from a comparative test.
Last Friday, Year 3 completed three small tests to find out how rocks are different.
- The ‘scratch’ test: Use a nail or paperclip to scratch a rock to find out how hard or soft it is. The softer it is, the more of a mark it will have.
- Does the rock react with acid (vinegar)? We put a small amount of white vinegar on the rocks to see if they would react. There might be a change in colour, bubbles or no reaction.
- Will it float or sink?
Each table had one rock to focus on then at the end, each group shared their findings.
Here’s what we found:
Help at home by researching this question.
Is chalk a hard or soft rock? Why would it be hard to see the scratch test on chalk?