TITLE OF LESSON:
Rocks
LENGTH OF LESSON:
One class period
GRADE LEVEL:
6-8
SUBJECT AREA:
Earth Science
OBJECTIVES:
1. Old rocks on Earth's surface are gradually reduced to tiny pieces, or sediments, by erosion
caused by water, wind, or glacial ice.
2. Sedimentary rock is formed when those small pieces of rock are compressed into larger rock
formations.
3. Erosion breaks the rock down again, and the cycle continues.
4. Learn to identify rock samples.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. Research materials on rock formation and different types of rock
2. Rock samples
3. Key: Minerals (Earth Science) app on IPads
PROCEDURE:
1. Break students into small groups
2. Review what students know about the three types of rock: sedimentary, igneous,
metamorphic.
3. Tell students they are going to write children's stories to explain to younger students how
sedimentary rock is formed: stories will be about sample group has been provided
4. The plot should illustrate the process by which their sample rock is formed.
5. Students will use Key: Minerals app to learn about their sample. They can type in
characteristics of the sample to learn more about it.
6. Instruct students that their stories should show their understanding of the rock cycle and the
information gathered from the app.
ADAPTATIONS:
Adaptations for 9-12th grade:
Have students learn about the Mohs scratch test and how it is used to identify different types of
rock. Students can then collect rock samples and use the Mohs test to classify and label their
samples. They should use the Key:Minerals (Earth Science) app to then put these characteristics
in to find out what type of sample they have.
Adaptations for 3-5th grade:
This activity would be done as a whole class. First have a discussion about the rock samples and
have students point out what color their sample is, if it is shiny or dull. Use the app together on a
projector and have students convey their observations to the teacher. All students would have
same sample rather than different ones like older students. Also, instead of writing a story, these
students could learn about the rock cycle and simply draw pictures to illustrate the properties of
their sample and how it was form after a class discussion.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Have you noticed the effects of the rock cycle near your home or school?
2. Why do you think geologists are eager to study the processes involved in creating and
changing rock formations?
3. What local formations are near the school (if any)?
4. What can we learn from rock formations?
EVALUATION:
9-12 grades:
Evaluate the students on their stories and illustrations.
1. Was the story imaginative and creative?
2. Was the story accurate?
3. Were illustrations clear?
4. Did students identifty the correct sample?
5. Did students use the app to learn about characteristics of the sample?
6-8 grades:
Same as above, however, do not grade on proper identification because in this case students can
ask teacher for assistance in identification, as not all characteristics will be known to put into the
app to determine name of sample
3-5 grades:
Students will be graded on participation during class discussion, as well as creativity with
illustrations.
Possible Lesson Extensions:
Research Local Geology
Have the class research geology of region around homes and school
Field Trip
Class field trip to find examples of different kinds of rocks in local area, as well as uses of rocks
for practical purposes. (rock formations in area, statues, buildings, etc)