Rocks and Minerals by UTH Rocks and Minerals by UTH    

Lesson 35: Lunar Rocks and Minerals

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

• Read the lesson.
• Review the synopsis.
• Recite aloud the vocabulary words and their definitions.
• Study the rock and mineral of the week.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Lunar rocks are those on or from the Moon. Common lunar rocks and minerals include plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, olivine, basalt, and breccia. Rocks found on Earth are very similar to those found on the moon, leading scientists to propose the Giant-Impact Hypothesis.

Vocabulary

Lunar: Of, pertaining to, or resembling the Moon.
Martian: Of, pertaining to, or resembling the planet Mars.
Hypothesis: An educated guess that potentially explains an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

Overview

• Feldspar is a group of minerals with different compositions
• In the formula above, the A may be either potassium (K), sodium (Na), or calcium (Ca).
• In the formula above, T may be silicon (Si) or aluminum (Al).
• Feldspar makes up over 50% of the Earth's crust

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Pink, reddish, white, gray
• Hardness: 6.0
• Luster: Vitreous (glass-like) to porcelaneous (porcelain-like)
• Cleavage: One perfect cleavage and one good cleavage at 90 degree angles from one another
• Streak: White
• Tenacity: Brittle

Locations:

• Around the world

Interesting Facts

• Feldspar is used for ceramics, glassmaking, and as a component in paint, plastics, and rubber.
• Feldspar is so common, the Earth, the moon, and Martian soil (pictured below) all contain it.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Lesson

• After reading or listening to the lesson, narrate the lesson aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Can You Find It?

Find the following elements on the periodic table:

• Potassium (K)
• Sodium (Na)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Silicon (Si)
• Aluminum (Al)
• Oxygen (O)
• In which group and period is sodium (Na)?

Activity 3: Take a Nature Walk

• Embark on a nature walk.
• Collect one rock or mineral specimen.
• Use the gathered specimen to create the field book entry.

Activity 4: Complete a Field Book Entry   

After your nature walk, complete page 6 in 'Fifth Grade Science Rocks and Minerals Notebook Pages.'

Review

Question 1

Where do lunar rocks originate?

1 / 5

Answer 1

Lunar rocks originate from the moon.

1 / 5

Question 2

How do lunar rocks get to Earth?

2 / 5

Answer 2

Lunar rocks get to Earth via meteorites or brought back by spaceflight missions.

2 / 5

Question 3

Describe the Giant-Impact Hypothesis.

3 / 5

Answer 3

The Giant-Impact Hypothesis proposes the moon was formed when the Earth collided with another planet.

3 / 5

Question 4

Are members of the feldspar group (AT4O8) compounds?

4 / 5

Answer 4

Yes, members of the feldspar group (AT4O8) are made of two or more elements.

4 / 5

Question 5

Describe something about feldspar.

5 / 5

Answer 5

Feldspar is a common group of minerals that makes up over 50% of the Earth's crust. Feldspar is even found on the moon and on Mars.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. Where do lunar rocks originate? Lunar rocks originate from the moon.
2. How do lunar rocks get to Earth? Lunar rocks get to Earth via meteorites or brought back by spaceflight missions.
3. Describe the Giant-Impact Hypothesis. The Giant-Impact Hypothesis proposes the moon was formed when the Earth collided with another planet.
4. Are members of the feldspar group (AT4O8) compounds? Yes, members of the feldspar group (AT4O8) are made of two or more elements.
5. Describe something about feldspar. Feldspar is a common group of minerals that makes up over 50% of the Earth's crust. Feldspar is even found on the moon and on Mars.

References

'Giant-impact hypothesis.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant-impact_hypothesis. n.p.

'Moon rock.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_rock. n.p.

'Feldspar.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feldspar. n.p.

Cited Physical Properties. Geology.com. geology.com/rocks. n.p.