Rocks! Formation and Types
5th Grade
Madison Kilgore and Lauren Cudden
5 Day Unit Plan: 2 hours of instruction each day
This unit will introduce students to the fifth grade science SOL (5.7) which
focus on concepts of geology. During this unit students will begin to learn about
geology through the three rock types: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
During this unit students will also touch on the subjects of Math, Fine Arts,
Movement, Technology, and Language Arts.
Objectives
General Unit Objectives:

Students will learn about the three main rock types as an introduction to
geology.

Students will gain skills regarding measuring, recording data, using critical
and analytical thinking, creative artwork, and cooperative group-work.

Students will gain an appreciation of cooperatively working with others as
well as working and researching independently.
Specific Objectives:
Day One:

The student will be able to recall at least one correct fact about each type of
rock (metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary) given an exit slip, using the
definitions from lecture notes and video.
Day Two:

The student will be able to articulate the definitions (mean, median, mode,
range) and find them given a set of data (the weight of the rocks) with 10 out
of 12 correct.
Day Three:

Given music, students will participate in the teacher’s determined physical
activity for at least ninety-six seconds out of each two-minute transition
period.

Given their interactive notebooks, the students will record their resting and
post-workout heart rates after each transition period with 80% accuracy.

Students will able to articulate at least 3 things they have learned about the
Rock Cycle and 1 thing they wish to know given time to explore the different
stations.
Day Four:

Students will be able to find and analyze information about rock types given
a variety of resources. They will use this information to organize a prewriting
sheet in preparation for the art project.
Day Five:

Given clay and decorative materials, the student will be able to create their
own rock with at least one identifiable feature based off of their rock’s type.
They will use the research from the previous class to do this.

The student will also be able to write a description of their rock with 3 to 5
facts about their rock. They must include the correct type and formation. To
do the writing assessment the student can use any notes, books, or research
on their rock from the week.
Standards of Learning Covered:
Science 5.7 The student will investigate and understand how Earth’s surface is
constantly changing. Key concepts include
 a) identification of rock types;
 b) the rock cycle and how transformations between rocks occur;
 c) Earth history and fossil evidence;
 d) the basic structure of Earth’s interior;
 e) changes in Earth’s crust due to plate tectonics;
 f) weathering, erosion, and deposition; and
 g) human impact
Math 5.16 The student will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe mean, median, and mode as measures of center
Describe fair share
Find the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data
Describe the range of a set of data as a measure of variation
VSOL Physical Education 5.5 The student will participate in establishing and
maintaining a safe environment for learning physical activities.
A. Work independently and with others to improve learning during physical
activity.
B. Display appropriate cooperative and competitive behaviors.
Computer/Technology 3-5.6 Plan and apply strategies for gathering information,
using a variety of tools and sources, and reflect on alternate strategies that might
lead to greater successes in future projects.
A. Collect information from a variety of sources
• Conduct research using various types of text- and media-based
information.
B. Apply best practices for searching digital resources.
• Apply effective search strategies that will yield targeted information.
• Identify basic indicators that a digital source is likely to be reliable.
Visual Arts 5.10 - The student will create sculpture in the round, high relief, or bas
relief, using three dimensional media including clay.
English 5.7 The student will write for a variety of purposes: to describe, to inform, to
entertain, to explain, and to persuade
a) Identify intended audience.
b) Use a variety of prewriting strategies.
c) Organize information to convey a central idea.
d) Write a clear topic sentence focusing on the main idea.
e) Write multi paragraph compositions.
f) Use precise and descriptive vocabulary to create tone and voice.
g) Vary sentence structure by using transition words.
h) Revise for clarity of content using specific vocabulary and information.
i) Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea.
Resource Page
Websites:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/2010/lesson_plans/grade5/earth_
patterns_cycles_changes/sess_5.7abf2.pdf
https://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/
Rock Jeopardy by Coret Smith, free from Teachers Pay Teachers
(https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rock-Jeopardy-30315)
Interactive Rock Cycle game (http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/types3.html)
Videos:
Rock Song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l
E3jR_RhxO4
Materials:
Notebook paper
Pencil
Calculator
Scale
Markers/Coloring Supplies
Timer
Classroom Computers/COWS
Speakers
Library Books on Rocks
Model Magic Clay
Glitter
Beads
Shells
Plastic Gems
Colored Sand
Bill Nye Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l
E3jR_RhxO4
Worksheets and Printables:
Observation Chart (attached to Lesson 1)
Math Worksheet (attached to Lesson 2)
Create Your Own Pre-Write (attached to Lesson 4)
Geology Crossword Puzzle by Science from Murf LLC,
free from Teachers Pay Teachers
(https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geology
-Crossword-Puzzle-122032)
Rocks and Mineral Flashcards by Science from Murf
LLC, free from Teachers Pay Teachers
(https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rocksand-Mineral-Flashcards-124631)
Rock Types Sorting activity by Third Grade Cupcakes,
free from Teachers Pay Teachers
(https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBI
E-Types-of-Rocks-Sort-274924)