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Hardness as a Property — Reading Comprehension

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5-PS1-3

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This engaging 400-word reading passage introduces fifth-grade students to the concept of hardness as a measurable property of materials, aligned with NGSS standard 5-PS1-3 and Disciplinary Core Idea PS1.A. Students discover that hardness describes how resistant a material is to being scratched, and learn about the scratch test that scientists use to compare different materials. The passage uses relatable examples like diamonds, chalk, fingernails, and pennies to help students understand this important physical property. Through clear explanations and real-world connections, students explore why hardness matters in selecting materials for specific purposes, from building construction to jewelry making. The passage includes audio integration for enhanced accessibility and engagement. Accompanying activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that reinforce understanding of material properties and scientific testing methods. This resource builds foundational knowledge essential for hands-on investigations and deeper exploration of matter and its properties.

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Close-up of a stunning emerald cut diamond held by tweezers, perfect for luxury designs. — A diamond is one of the hardest materials on Earth.. Image credit Arjiv Exports / Pexels.

Hardness is a property that describes how resistant a material is to being scratched. When we say something is hard, we mean it is difficult to make a mark or scratch on its surface. This property helps scientists and engineers choose the right materials for different jobs.

Scientists measure hardness by performing a simple test called the scratch test. In this test, they try to scratch one material with another material. If material A can scratch material B, then material A is harder than material B. If material B cannot scratch material A, then material B is softer. This is a measurable property because scientists can observe and record which materials scratch others.

Think about a diamond and a piece of chalk. A diamond is one of the hardest materials on Earth. It can scratch almost any other material, including glass and metal. Chalk, on the other hand, is very soft. You can easily scratch chalk with your fingernail. In fact, when you write with chalk on a board, tiny pieces of the soft chalk rub off and stick to the surface. This happens because the board is harder than the chalk.

Understanding hardness is important for many reasons. Construction workers need hard materials like steel and concrete to build strong buildings that will last for many years. Jewelers value diamonds not only because they sparkle, but also because their hardness means they won't easily scratch or wear down over time. Scientists use a hardness scale that goes from 1 to 10, with talc (a very soft mineral) at 1 and diamond at 10.

You can test hardness yourself using everyday objects. A fingernail has a hardness of about 2.5, while a copper penny has a hardness of about 3.5. If you can scratch something with your fingernail, it's softer than 2.5. If you need a penny to scratch it, the material is harder than your fingernail but softer than the penny. This simple test helps you compare the hardness of different materials around you.

Interesting Fact: Your teeth are covered with enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, with a hardness of about 5 on the mineral hardness scale. This hardness protects your teeth when you chew hard foods!

What does hardness measure?

How heavy a material isHow resistant to scratching a material isHow much a material weighsHow shiny a material looks

How do scientists perform a scratch test?

They weigh two materialsThey heat materials until they meltThey try to scratch one material with anotherThey measure materials with a ruler

What is diamond's number on the hardness scale?

15710

Why do construction workers use hard materials?

To build strong, lasting buildingsBecause they are less expensiveBecause they are lighter to carryTo make buildings look pretty

If material A scratches material B, what is true?

Material B is harder than AMaterial A is harder than BBoth materials have same hardnessNeither material is hard

Why does chalk leave marks on a board?

The chalk is wet and stickyThe board is softer than chalkTiny pieces of soft chalk rub offThe chalk melts on the board

Hardness is a measurable property of materials.

TrueFalse

What does 'resistant' mean in this passage?

Able to float in waterAble to withstand or not be affectedAble to change colors quicklyAble to bend without breaking

Perfect For:

👩‍🏫 Teachers

• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents

• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time

🏠 Homeschoolers

• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring

Reading Features:

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Reading Passage

Engaging fiction or nonfiction text

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Comprehension Quiz

Auto-graded questions

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Printable Version

Download for offline reading

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Read Aloud

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