Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Sandstone & Conglomerate - An Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students review the three types of rocks and the rock cycle. They participate in an experiment in which they discover the lithification process of sedimentary rocks. They record and share their observations.
Unit Plan
Core Knowledge Foundation

Rocks & Minerals

For Teachers 4th - 7th Standards
Take young geologists on an exploration of the rock cycle with this six-lesson earth science unit on rocks and minerals. Through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on investigations your class will learn...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sandwich Stratigraphy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Two activities are included in this resource. In the first, junior geologists model sedimentary rock layers, apply the Law of Superposition, and demonstrate folding and faulting of the Earth's crust. The model is technically a sandwich....
Activity
1
1
Teach Engineering

Ranking the Rocks for Desired Properties

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Math rocks! Cavern design teams determine the rankings of rock types based upon desirability points. The points are connected to the properties of the rocks and their usefulness in building a cavern. 
Activity
1
1
Teach Engineering

Rocks, Rocks, Rocks: Test, Identify Properties and Classify

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Time is growing short. Teams work together to identify physical properties of rocks in order to determine the properties that would best suit their cavern shelter design.
Unit Plan
1
1
Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Rocks and Minerals in Our Lives

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Young geologists discover the important role that rocks and minerals play in our everyday lives through this series of hands-on activities. Starting off with a lesson that defines the difference between plants, animals, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

2.2: Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss the geologic rock cycle and work with their group to simulate creating a sedimentary rock. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates the sedimentary process and draw the steps of the rock cycle.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks in our Backyard

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine igneous and sedimentary rocks. They observe and identify geological formations in their community, analyze igneous and sedimentary geological layers using a geological map, and use GPS to locate geological formations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How to Make a Rock

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders watch demonstrations and conduct experiments that show the three different types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock vs. Mineral - Lesson #2

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students visually distinguish between those rocks that appear to be made of one substance, vs. those that appear to have more than one. This leads to the distinctions that indicate the different types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders receive an introduction to the rock cycle. They dicuss the geologic rock cycle. They create a simulation of a sedementary rock.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sediment Deposition Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students set up a stream table, observe erosion, and record data on where various sizes of sediments settle. They draw conclusions as to what kind of sedimentary rock form in what locations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Hounds

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students receive a basis for understanding the three main classifications of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. They engage in a hands-on activity designed to give them an appreciation for rocks and minerals.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classify Rocks

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students classify different types of rocks. In this earth science lesson, students test different rock samples and construct a chart to record observations. They create a concept map that answers essential questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Determining the Geologic History of Rocks from a Gravel Deposit

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students apply the scientific method to identify rocks from glacial deposits, hypothesize how they got there and then test their hypothesis. They are given the experience of active, hands-on inquiry.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sedimentary Structures- An Adventure in Painting and Collage

For Teachers K - 6th
Students identify and interpret concepts about how the Earth was formed and convey some of these ideas in a painting. Students experiment with different types of paints and paint applicators to achieve a variety of visual textures....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science: Fossil of a Carbonized Plant

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students classify leaves by shape and margins and use them to create models of plant fossils. By using paper over a leaf, they simulate fossilization of organisms onto sedimentary rocks. Following instructions on worksheets, students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rust Never Sleeps

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate oxidation-reduction reactions involving iron by conducting an experiment in which they expose iron filings to different atmospheric and ocean conditions. They relate the results to the oxidation banding patterns seen...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemistry: Changing Materials

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine physical change with different temperature and solvents. In this elements and compounds lesson, students conduct experiments to discover what happens to the mass of a substance when is undergoes a physical change.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pyrites

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the mineral pyrite and discover the differences between it and gold.  For this mineral lesson students identify minerals using their common properties.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Change: Carbon Cycle

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Young scholars explore the carbon cycle. In this carbon cycle lesson, students discuss the four main reservoirs where carbon is stored and then discover the process through which each reservoir absorbs and releases CO2. This lesson...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Developing a Local Stratigraphy

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students examine rock strata for the distribution, deposition, and age of sedimentary rock. They describe rock types in a variety of outcrops and construct a regional stratigraphy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Integrating Physical Science and the Geological Environment

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students undertake a series of experiments and activities related to geology, especially in Connecticut. They evaluate types of rocks, minerals, and crystals, exploring the main concepts of geology.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is a Karst

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students investigate landforms by holding a class experiment. In this topography activity, students define the word "karst" and discover why sinkholes are created on the surface of the Earth by completing worksheets. Students create a...