Students explain how pumice forms, identify a correct rock cycle sequence, and determine where a mineral falls on the hardness scale based on scratching tests. Part B has five fill-in-the-blank problems about extrusive versus intrusive igneous rock names and coal as fossilized plant material.
Hardness testing by elimination — scratches glass but not quartz — is the practical mineral identification skill that connects classroom learning to field geology.
Style:
Rocks and Minerals
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Pumice is a very light rock that can float on water. How does it form?
A) Sediment compresses slowly on the ocean floor
B) Lava cools quickly trapping gas bubbles inside
C) Limestone is squeezed by intense pressure
D) Minerals crystallize deep underground over time
2. Which sequence correctly shows one path through the rock cycle?
A) Sedimentary → melting → metamorphic → cooling → igneous
B) Igneous → weathering and erosion → sedimentary → heat and pressure → metamorphic
C) Metamorphic → compaction → sedimentary → weathering → igneous
D) Sedimentary → cooling → igneous → erosion → metamorphic
3. A geologist tests a mineral and finds it scratches glass but cannot scratch quartz. What is its hardness on the Mohs scale?
A) between 1 and 3
B) between 3 and 5
C) between 5 and 7
D) between 7 and 10
4. Why is marble preferred over limestone for sculptures?
A) Marble is softer and easier to shape
B) Marble has a finer texture and takes a better polish
C) Limestone contains too many fossils
D) Marble is lighter in weight
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Igneous rock that forms on the surface from lava is called extrusive.
2. Igneous rock that forms underground from magma is called intrusive.
3. Coal is a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of ancient plants.
4. The process of sediment being pressed together by weight above is called compaction.
5. Diamonds form deep in Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure.
Rocks and Minerals
★ Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Pumice is a very light rock that can float on water. How does it form?
A) Sediment compresses slowly on the ocean floor
B) Lava cools quickly trapping gas bubbles inside
C) Limestone is squeezed by intense pressure
D) Minerals crystallize deep underground over time
2. Which sequence correctly shows one path through the rock cycle?
A) Sedimentary → melting → metamorphic → cooling → igneous
B) Igneous → weathering and erosion → sedimentary → heat and pressure → metamorphic
C) Metamorphic → compaction → sedimentary → weathering → igneous
D) Sedimentary → cooling → igneous → erosion → metamorphic
3. A geologist tests a mineral and finds it scratches glass but cannot scratch quartz. What is its hardness on the Mohs scale?
A) between 1 and 3
B) between 3 and 5
C) between 5 and 7
D) between 7 and 10
4. Why is marble preferred over limestone for sculptures?
A) Marble is softer and easier to shape
B) Marble has a finer texture and takes a better polish
C) Limestone contains too many fossils
D) Marble is lighter in weight
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1) Igneous rock that forms on the surface from lava is called extrusive.
2) Igneous rock that forms underground from magma is called intrusive.
3) Coal is a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of ancient plants.
4) The process of sediment being pressed together by weight above is called compaction.
5) Diamonds form deep in Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure.
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9 Questions
12-18 minutes
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