Bay Path College Education Program
Lesson Plan
Practicum Student: Alyssa Ciccarelli
Supervising Practitioner: Professor Sawyer
Program Supervisor:
Subject: Categories of Rocks
Number of Students: 20
Number of Students on IEPs: 2
Grade Level: Fourth Grade
Date: November 4, 2013
Lesson Content:
 Rocks are divided into three major categories: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.
Each category of rocks is formed by different techniques. The students will determine the
particular differences between Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks.
 Students will describe the diverse techniques used to form Igneous, Sedimentary, and
Metamorphic rocks.
Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks:
Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework October 2006. Science Strand
Science Standards: Earth Processes and Cycles Grade 4 pg. 26
 3. The three categories of rocks and the process that creates them.
Objectives of the Lesson:
 The students will identify and describe the different categories of rocks such as Igneous,
Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks after watching a video from brainpop.com.
Students will be placed into small groups for science lesson.
 They will identify samples of rocks found in their groups. Each group member will create
a chart labeling the sample rocks as Igneous, Sedimentary, or Metamorphic. Included in
the chart: Sample #, group for sample, description of sample, and how it was formed.
 Students will classify rock samples and processes with 80% accuracy.
Expected Duration:
 40 minutes
Pre-Assessment:
 Students will have previous knowledge of rock types from watching a videos in previous
classes, prior readings from classroom textbook, and class discussions.
 Students will have completed identification charts in previous class and they will be
familiar with describing samples from prior practice.
Materials:





20 copies of Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rock Worksheet
20 copies of Rock Report Worksheet
20 copies of Mineral Development
20 samples of various of Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks
20 copies of Rock Formation Chart
Initiation:
 Ask the students, “Who can tell me about the different types of rocks? I was wondering if
we could identify and discuss the three categories of rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, and
Metamorphic Rocks.” The students will be able to recall unique properties of each group
from previous readings, discussions and video segments.
 In order for the students to predict the lesson content, I will start by saying, “Today we
are going to identify and describe characteristics of Igneous, Sedimentary, and
Metamorphic Rocks.” In addition we will discuss the processes of how Igneous,
Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks are formed.
o The class will identify traits of Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks by
examining samples in small groups.
 The class will use the rock formation diagram as a model for development of Igneous,
Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks.
o Diagram will have three boxes labeled Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic
Rocks accordingly. Each box will include a description of the formation of
different rocks.
Step-by-Step Development:
 I will ask the class “ Can any one tell me what an igneous rock is?” I will wait a few
minutes for students to formulate their answers. “Igneous Rocks form when magma or
lava cool to a solid form, either glass or masses of tightly inter-grown mineral crystals.”
o I will ask the same question regarding Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks.
“Sedimentary rocks form when mineral crystals and fragments are compressed
together. While Metamorphic rocks form and reform under intense heat and
pressure.”
 “Today we are going to identify samples of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
in small groups. Each group member will receive a copy of Igneous, Sedimentary, and
Metamorphic Rock Worksheet, Rock Report Worksheet, Mineral Development
worksheet, and Rock Formation Chart. Each group will receive five rock samples to
identify.
 Ask students” Does everyone have three worksheets and a formation chart? Also does
everyone have a pencil or pen to write with?”
o Write your name on the top of the paper along with your group number.
 Present activity to the students.
o Each group will
Closure:
Plan for Independent Practice:

Students will be working on worksheets regarding classification of igneous, sedimentary
and metamorphic rocks.

Lesson Modifications and Adaptations:
 Students with Learning Disability, I will provide the students with a model of the
worksheet before the class lesson.

Assessment Strategies:
 At the end of the activity, I will decide if each student has met the objective of the lesson
by asking them to recall what classifies rocks as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
 If the student is able to identify a minimum of four characteristics that categorize the
sample rocks as igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic than they will have successfully
completed the lesson.
Citations:
 I created the worksheets entitled Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rock, Rock
Report Worksheet, Mineral Development and Rock Formation Chart. Information
provided about the definition of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks was
accessed through Google, and the textbook entitled: Exploring Geology published by
McGraw Higher Education. The Rock Cycle chart was accessed through Google image
database.
Reflection:
 N/A