Science Lesson Plans: Exploring Sandstone
Students have had many opportunities to explore rocks, soil, and sand.
They have observed water eroding a mineral block, as an example of
how water can change the size and shape of rocks. They have
experienced how some rocks are hard (hard to break with a hammer
and do not scratch) and some rocks are soft (easy to break with a
hammer, scratches easily, and makes marks on the sidewalk).
Today’s activity will give them the experience to make their own sand
by rubbing two pieces of sandstone together.
Materials: pieces of sandstone, tray or other surface to catch the sand
Procedure: Ask the students to examine the rocks. What are some of
the rock’s properties? How does the rock feel? Tell the students that
they will be rubbing the rocks together and observe what happens. Give
them time to rub two rocks together and examine the powdery sand
that falls to the tray. Ask them what they think the substance is.
Depending on the type of sandstone you have, it may be a very fine
powder or a little coarser (more like sand).
Explain that sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sandsized minerals and rock grains. In nature, the wind and water can
change sandstone into incredible shapes. People use sandstone for
building materials, like temples, cathedrals, fountains, and statues. It is
very easy to carve.