University of Oxford (UK)
Oxford Museum of Modern History: Rocks
The study of rocks is called petrology. Rocks may have fossils in them, and they are made up of minerals, but petrologists like looking at the rocks themselves. Just click on one of the link to find out more about rocks and the rock cycle.
SRI International
Performance Assessment Links in Science: Building Materials
This lab incorporates observational skills to solve the problem of finding the best rock to build tables for a museum picnic area. Students are called on to observe the properties of the rock samples and then required to apply what they...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Shale
Originating as clay or mud, shale is a sedimentary rock formed by deposits of small particles by slow moving water. Wikipedia includes color images and discusses composition and deposition.
PBS
Pbs: Where to Dig
Dinosaurs have intrigued us for many years. As we explore to learn more we need to know where to look. In which type of rock would you find dinosaur fossils? This brief interactive provides real world application for rock characterization.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Rock Hounds: Shale Rocks
A very brief description of the sedimentary rock, shale. Color image included.
Minerals Ed
Minerals Ed: Rock Star 101 [Pdf]
This lesson takes you through the basic introduction of rocks. It includes information about the rock cycle and the three types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Geology: Rock Mineral Formations: Lesson 1
This lesson will explore the process of rock mineral formations. It is 1 of 2 in the series titled "Geology: Rock Mineral Formations."
Ducksters
Ducksters: Earth Science for Kids: Rocks, Rock Cycle, and Formation
Kids learn about the science of rocks and the rock cycle. How different types such as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic form from minerals with the help of nature.
EL Education
El Education: Rock and Mineral Trading Cards
Students complete field and museum observations and work with local geologists to collect information on various types of rocks. Each student then creates a trading card with an original illustration of the rock on the front and the...
EL Education
El Education: Kid's Guide to Rock Park
Students research different types of rocks and different ways of identifying rocks, then create a field guide for younger students attending a museum called The Rock Park.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Rock Record Relative Dating
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart presents information about how the earth was formed. It discusses methods of dating the layers of the earth's surface. Assessment questions are included.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Rocks and Minerals
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart gives humorous explanations as to how rocks are formed. Illustrations and practical examples of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and fossils are given.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Rocks and Soils
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this unit children should come to recognize that underneath all surfaces is rock which they may not be able to see, that rocks get broken down into pebbles and soils which we can often see, and that...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Types of Rock
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this flipchart, review different forms of rock. See examples of each and review vocabulary terms.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: What Are the Biological Processes of Weathering?
Learn about biological factors in the weathering and breakdown of rocks.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Minerals
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart introduces students to minerals. The different properties used to identify minerals are also covered.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Rocks and the Rock Cycle
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart introduces students to rocks and the rock cycle.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Dragon in the Rocks
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart is used as students read the story Dragon in the Rocks from the Scholastic Literacy Place series. There is a lesson on closed syllables, context clues, and identifying plot and setting.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Geology Rock Cycle
[Free Registration/Login Required] Flipchart explains the rock cycle, taking students through the creation and ultimate destruction of a rock.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: How the Earth Is Built
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart explores the ways the earth is built. It studies different types of rock formation and earth forms. Charts, graphs, and linking pages make this flipchart interactive
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Minerals
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart contains definition of minerals and properties of minerals and a short video. It is appropriate as an introduction to minerals.
Other
Rocks and minerals.com: Rock and Mineral Uses
This is a fairly extensive list of common rocks and minerals, each followed by a brief explanation of how they are used in our society.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Earth Science for Kids: Minerals
Investigate the subject of minerals including characteristics, properties such as luster and streak, types of minerals, and fun facts on this site.