Mohs' scale of hardness (non-statutory)
I can learn more about the hardness of rocks from the work of important scientists.
Mohs' scale of hardness (non-statutory)
I can learn more about the hardness of rocks from the work of important scientists.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A geologist is a type of scientist that studies what the Earth is made of. They help us to understand more about rocks.
- Scientists from the past, today and in the future help us to learn more about the properties and uses of rocks.
- The results from a scientific investigation can be compared to other investigations that have already been carried out.
Common misconception
Children may use a range of observational methods to assess hardness, e.g. “heaviness” of the object, and if it breaks on impact (test for brittleness), neither of which are a test for hardness.
Be aware of using the correct vocabulary around testing for hardness. Explain that hardness is the ability to withstand pressure.
Keywords
Rock - Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in Earth.
Geologist - A geologist is someone who studies what the Earth is made of.
Hardness - Hardness is the quality of being difficult to bend, cut or break.
Mineral - A mineral occurs naturally and can be dug out of the ground.
Scale - A scale is a set of numbers or amounts, used to measure or compare the level of something.
Equipment
See additional resources.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
drawing with
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cutting hard materials like glass