Rock Attributes Simple STEM Activity

Rocks are natural objects that are composed of solid crystals. Rocks are made of a mixture of minerals. Rocks have different attributes (features) that are used to describe them including their color texture, luster, and hardness.

The color, or tint, of a rock depends on the minerals that are found in the rock. The colors can be bright and lively or dull and cloudy. The texture of a rock refers to how the rock feels on the surface. Some rocks feel smooth when you touch them while others feel rough.

The luster of a rock refers to the sparkle and shine of a rock. Rocks that reflect lots of light usually have lots of luster. The hardness of a rock describes the stiffness of a rock. Hard rocks resist scratching, denting, and bending. The hardness of rocks and minerals can be measured using the Moh's Hardness scale.

In this activity, your first task is to separate your rocks into groups using an attribute of the rocks that you think is important. You second task it to design and build something useful using the rocks and some Playdoh or clay.