Curated OER
Rock Crystallization
Students determine the differences between the crystallization of igneous and metamorphic rocks. They examine both liquid state and solid state crystallization.
Curated OER
How Are Rocks Formed?
Students identify types of rocks. In this geology lesson plan, students view animated graphics to identify how sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are formed. Students take a rock quiz to show how different rocks are formed.
Curated OER
Exploring the Rock Cycle
An understanding of the rock cycle is essential in geology and earth science classes.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
In this earth science instructional activity, students use the clues given at the bottom of the sheet to solve the crossword puzzle on mineral and rocks. They identify the various types of rocks formed and specific examples of these rocks.
Curated OER
You've Got to Be Cool to Make Igneous Rocks
Students describe how igneous rocks are formed, design a classification system to group igneous rocks and develop a controlled experiment to prove that the rate of cooling affects the size of the crystals.
Curated OER
Rock Candy Crystals
Students discover how rocks are created. In this rock formation lesson, students investigate saturation, evaporation, and phase changes in geology. Students create rock candy from skewers, string, boiling water and sugar.
Curated OER
Crayon Rock Cycle
Students view rock samples and model the formation of rocks with crayons. In this rock cycle instructional activity, students view and describe the three types of rock: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. They model the formation of...
Curated OER
Sedimentary Rocks
Fourth graders discuss the basic properties of rocks, the processes
involved in the formation of soils, and the needs of plants provided by soil. They write descriptions in their Science journal and identify and discuss each type of...
Curated OER
Igneous Rock Lab
In this igneous rock worksheet, students answer 5 questions about igneous rocks and then use a website to find the 6 textures of igneous rock. Students record data such as the color, the texture, if it's intrusive or extrusive, if its...
Curated OER
Identifying Metamorphic Rocks
In this earth science instructional activity, 7th graders classify rock samples according to chart provided and physical properties of the rocks. They answer 2 analysis questions and formulate a conclusion.
Curated OER
Metamorphic Rock Lab
In this metamorphic rock worksheet, students observe 9 metamorphic rock samples and indicate the grain size, if there are bands, if there are layers , if it is foliated and they identify the name of the rock. They complete 5 sentences...
Curated OER
Rock Hounds
Learners receive a basis for understanding the three main classifications of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. They engage in a hands-on activity designed to give them an appreciation for rocks and minerals.
Curated OER
Sedimentary Rocks
In this sedimentary rock worksheet, students answer 9 fill-in-the-blank questions and 8 matching questions regarding sedimentary rocks and their formation.
Curated OER
A Model of the Rock Cycle
In this rock cycle worksheet, students use different colored crayons to represent different types of rocks. They follow step by step procedures to model the rock cycle with the crayons. Students draw the rock cycle, show weathering,...
Curated OER
What Is in a Rock?
Middle schoolers identify, sort, and classify mineral samples that make up a common rock.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
Learners bring rocks and minerals from home to investigate in the classroom. In this rocks and minerals lesson plan, students observe all the rocks and minerals brought into the class and answer 7 questions about the features of the...
Curated OER
Create a Classroom Exhibit: Rocks and Minerals
Students bring in rocks and minerals from home. They observe them and describe them carefully, completing a worksheet. Finally, a classroom exhibit is created.
Curated OER
Bellwork for Week 6: Rocks
In this rocks instructional activity, students answer questions about types of rocks such as sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, crystals and intrusive and extrusive igneous rock.
Smithsonian Institution
Watching Crystals Grow
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
American Chemical Society
Crushing Test
Solidify understanding of the properties of crystals by crushing them to compare hardness. After some class discussion, a procedure is planned, and then small groups go about making observations as they crush five different crystal...
Curated OER
Identifying 2-D and 3-D Shapes in Crystals
Students view a video on making rock candy and identify the shapes they see while watching. In this 2 and 3 dimensional shape lesson, students recognize shapes and complete worksheets to identify them. Students build a cube. Students...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Weathering and Erosion: Simulating Rock Attack in the Lab
Into each life some rain must fall, but how can that change rocks? Young geologists' understanding of weathering and erosion increases throughout the activities. The lesson includes five short activities to be completed over two class days.
Curated OER
Rock Cycle Review
In this rock cycle instructional activity, students review major concepts related to rock formation by answering 15 multiple choice questions and matching 15 terms to their definitions. Students identify 7 rocks as metamorphic,...
Curated OER
Explore Rocks With Hands On Activities
You can have students use crayons to learn about igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.