Lesson Plan
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Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Sedimentary rocks are the building blocks of this geology lesson. In it, learners discover what sedimentary rocks are and how they form. They understand the differences between the major sedimentary rock varieties and learn what types of...
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How Sedimentary Rocks are Formed

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers investigate the stripes in sedimentary rocks, using a structure at Petra, Jordan, as an example, and then do a hands-on activity using mixed nuts to illustrate the layering of sedimentary rocks.
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The Rocks Under Illinois

For Teachers 9th - 12th
The goal of this fine geology lesson is to have learners create a map that shows how the rock layers are arranged far underground where they can't be seen. The ambitious lesson plan requires high schoolers to learn the law of...
Lesson Plan
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Sandwich Stratigraphy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Two activities are included in this resource. In the first, junior geologists model sedimentary rock layers, apply the Law of Superposition, and demonstrate folding and faulting of the Earth's crust. The model is technically a sandwich....
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Fossil Fuels (Part II), The Geology of Oil

For Teachers 8th - 12th
More of a mini-unit than a lesson, these activities lead inquisitors through a survey of oil deposits. In the first part, they read about and view diagrams of sedimentary rock layers that trap oil. Next, they test porosity and...
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Layers of Rock

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Juvenile geologists drill clear plastic straws down into a playdough sedimentary rock model, pulling out sample rock cores. As they analyze their cores, they apply the law of superposition and discover that originally horizontal layers...
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Exploring How Rocks Are Formed

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
These lessons produced by the Illinois State Museum are quite good. In this one, third and fourth graders are introduced to the three basic types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. They perform activities which help them...
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Making Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students make models of sedimentary rock layers to explain how rocks form layers and represent ancient environments. Layers of sediment and fossils are added together to simulate the environment and connections to sedimentary rocks are...
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Rocks and Soil

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore the physical properties of rocks. They explore the three different types of rocks and are able to compare and contrast their different properties. Students simulate the creation of sedimentary rock, they also...
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Rock On!

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders make models of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks out of different types of candy and cookies.
Lesson Plan
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Rocks and Minerals: Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore the concept of rock formation. In this sedimentary rocks activity, students observe and record their findings about sedimentary rocks. Students then create limestone, coal, and sandstone models and write...
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Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover how sedimentary rocks form. They identify different examples of sedimentary rocks. They also discover what types of rocks are in Illinois soil.
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Rocks

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners examine how sedimentary rocks are formed.  In this rock instructional activity students research different rock formations and different types of rock. 
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2.2: Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss the geologic rock cycle and work with their group to simulate creating a sedimentary rock. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates the sedimentary process and draw the steps of the rock cycle.
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Ride the Rock Cycle

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students identify the steps in the rock cycle. They complete a K-W-L chart before the lesson plan begins. They answer questions about the stages to complete the lesson plan.
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Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 4th
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...
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Rocks in our Backyard

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine igneous and sedimentary rocks. They observe and identify geological formations in their community, analyze igneous and sedimentary geological layers using a geological map, and use GPS to locate geological formations.
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Exploring How Rocks Are Formed

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students examine the three types of rocks. They discover the processes that occur so each type of rock can be formed. They participate in activities to help them see how rocks are formed.
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Rock of Ages

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students are given a classification table and samples from their location. They locate their samples on the classification table using the characteristics used in rock identification.
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How to Make a Rock

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders watch demonstrations and conduct experiments that show the three different types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
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Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders receive an introduction to the rock cycle. They dicuss the geologic rock cycle. They create a simulation of a sedementary rock.
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Investigating Different Rock Types

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students analyze a rock using their eyes and then a hand lens. In this science lesson, students determine and discuss how hard or how easy it was to find and classify the assigned rock. Students record their observations on an index...
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Sediment Deposition Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers set up a stream table, observe erosion, and record data on where various sizes of sediments settle. They draw conclusions as to what kind of sedimentary rock form in what locations.
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Earth's History

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders study the law of superposition by creating models of fossils in layers of rock. They examine how fossils are usually found in sedimentary rock which leads to the study of geologic history in those rocks.