Curated OER
Sediment Sleuths
Young scholars classify sediments based on their physical characteristics, such as size, shape and color. They identify and describe rocks and minerals that are common to their region of the state.
Project SMART
Rocks and Minerals: Touch the Earth
Learners complete a unit of lessons on rocks and minerals. They conduct research, write e-mail questions to geologists, write daily journal entries, label maps demonstrating types of rocks/minerals found, and create a web page that...
Curated OER
How We Use Rocks: Part 1
Second graders read books about rocks, observe rocks and locate a special rock to observe more closely. They complete a worksheet about the chosen rock and create an art project using rocks or pebbles.
Curated OER
Rock Hounds at Heart
Second graders read "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" by iam Steig and practice describing rocks using different physical properties. They make observations and develop and describe categories such as texture, color, density, hardness, etc.
Curated OER
Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils
Fourth graders do 5 different lab stations to explore rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Curated OER
Shake, Rattle and Roll
Students compare the weathering of different-sized materials. Comparisons are made and data analyzed to reach conclusions about the process of weathering. Applications can be made for the higher grades.
Curated OER
Rock Concert
Young scholars examine the three major types of rocks. They create a song, skit, or poem describing the three kinds of rocks and how they are formed, then present their creations for a class rock concert.
Curated OER
The Incredible Edible Rocks
Pupils study the three different types of rocks and view examples of each. Then in small groups they observe three treats and compare them to the three types of rocks. The results are placed on a Venn diagram to show the similarities and...
Curated OER
A Rocky Situation
Second graders conduct experiments with rocks to observe weathering. They read books, examine websites and watch a video to examine how rocks break down into soil.
Curated OER
Rockin' Minerals
Third graders view a clip of the video Backyard Safari, "Rocks and Minerals," and discuss properties of rocks and minerals. They view and discuss a clip on where rocks and minerals are found.
Curated OER
Investigation 2 - Classifying Rocks
Fourth graders identify basic properties of minerals and rocks. They access websites and utilize worksheets imbedded in this lesson plan to further their understanding of rock classification.
Curated OER
Geology Activities: Rock Making
Students create their own gems using a simple experiment and learning process in class.
Curated OER
Sampling Rocks
Students study about sampling through an investigation of rocks found in the schoolyard. They sort the collected rocks by characteristics such as size, weight, and color, to see if any generalizations can be made about the types of rocks...
Curated OER
Rock Collecting
Students practice classifying rocks in the categories sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. They bring personal rock collections to school, then correctly label the three types of rocks on posterboard.
Curated OER
MatchCard Science
In this geology exploration activity, students complete a comparison chart of minerals and rocks that the teacher provides. Sample answers and alternate activities are provided on a second page.
Curated OER
Rock Identification Lab
Eighth graders compare and contrast the three different types of rock. For this earth science lesson, 8th graders classify rock samples according to their correct rock type. They design their own data collection table.
Curated OER
Making Craters
Pupils study craters and identify the different things that characterize craters. In this crater lesson plan students create a model of an impact crater.
Curated OER
Earth
In this Earth worksheet, students complete a graphic organizer by describing the Earth's layers and the types of rocks and landforms found on the Earth.
Curated OER
Rocks Word Search Puzzle
In this literacy worksheet, students look for the words that are related to the concept that is reviewed in the sheet. They also acquire new vocabulary.
Curated OER
Density lab
Learners relate the concept of density in relation to the rocks that make up the Earth. They determine the density of various rock specimens and answer assessment questions.
Curated OER
This is Your Rock, This is My Rock
Fourth graders review the types of rocks and minerals they see in photographs. Individually, they are shown a sample of rocks or minerals and classify them based on their characteristics. They give their observations to another...
Curated OER
Mountain Building
Pupils work in small groups. They are told that their task is to build a mountain in their dish pan that can withstand the effects of having a watering can emptied out on it. Students use creative extras to complete their mountains,...
Curated OER
Rock Sorting
First graders observe rocks, record their observations about the rocks and classify them according to their observations. As a class, 1st graders create a list of observable characteristics of rocks. They sort a group of rocks...
Curated OER
Rock On
Fourth graders create a powerpint presentation to inform their classmates about a selected type of rock. Students are divided into groups to research a particular type of rock. Each group researches their topic using traditional and...