Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Collecting and Identifying Rocks

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Students investigate rocks in an outdoor field trip, and then place them into groups by characteristics. The different groups could be the size, shape, color, and texture of the rocks. After classifying, students are introduced to the...
Activity
Other

The Geological Society: Rock Properties [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 8th
In this activity, students investigate the properties of six different types of rocks, and answer related questions, e.g., ranking them in terms of durability, inferring possible uses of three rock types, etc.
Graphic
Indiana University

Indiana University Bloomington: Reference Documents: Rock Cycle [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A simplified version of the rock cycle showing the three types of rocks and the transformational processes that occur between each pair of rock types.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Earth History: Crayon Rock Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Introduce to the students the three main types of rocks and the processes that form them. Wax crayons are eroded into sediment, compacted into sedimentary rock, partially melted and pressed into metamorphic rock, and finally melted and...
Activity
Other

Georgia Perimeter College: Igneous Rocks

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a description of igneous rock, its origin and the types of rock that are formed from a volcanic eruption.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Rock Steady

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students use their knowledge of the rock cycle to write a story about a pet rock. The story must include the rock changing from magma, to each type of rock igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The story should end with the pet rock...
Unit Plan
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Geology: Metamorphic Rocks

For Students 4th - 8th
An introductory slideshow illustrating the three types of rocks, with an emphasis on metamorphic rock.
Lesson Plan
Energy4Me

Energy4me: Name That Tune

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students will learn that scientists use seismic technology (sound waves) to map patterns of rock formations below the surface of the earth and that different types of rocks affect sound waves.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Investigating Factors That Influence Weathering of Monuments in a Cemetery

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this activity, middle schoolers will discover some of the factors that influence weathering of the monuments in a cemetery. These factors may include the type of rock, length of time the rock has been exposed to the elements or the...
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Dig This!

For Teachers 6th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read different fossils, how fossils are made, and three different types of rock on Earth. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in comparing and contrasting.
Article
US Geological Survey

Usgs: The Interior of the Earth

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a detailed discussion of the Earth's interior. Facts about the crust, mantle, and core are given along with diagrams of each. Also presents a table that lists the thickness and types of rock found in each part of the...
Activity
Energy4Me

Energy4me: Exploring Sound Waves

For Students 2nd - 6th
This activity explores the behavior of sound waves. Learn how to test how sound travels through different types of rock.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Rock Types Lab

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A well-designed lesson on rocks where students first learn about how the three categories of rocks form (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic), then must examine the features of different rock samples, and determine which category each...
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Investigating the Rock Cycle: Looking at Similarities and Diff in Rocks

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this activity students will be given three rocks representing the three main rock types in the rock cycle. They will make observations on those rocks and develop a hypothesis on how each rock formed. We will meet as a class and...
Activity
Children's Museum

Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Floating Rock Geo Mysteries

For Students 3rd - 8th
Did you know that there are some rocks that actually float? Follow this interactive investigation to find out which ones and why.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Ranking the Rocks

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Student teams assign importance factors, called "desirability points," the rock properties found in the previous lesson/activity in order to mathematically determine the overall best rocks for building caverns within. They learn the...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Rock Jeopardy!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students reinforce their understanding of rocks, the rock cycle, and geotechnical engineering by playing a trivia game. They work in groups to prepare Jeopardy-type trivia questions (answers) and compete against each other to demonstrate...
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Making & Breaking: The Rock Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students learn the components of the rock cycle and how rocks can change over time under the influence of weathering, erosion, pressure and heat. They learn about geotechnical engineering and the role these engineers play in the...
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Investigating Rocks: Seeing Your School's Area

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this earth science lab, students will find, identify, and create a visual presentation of the rocks that are found around their school. They will determine the mass, volume, density, color, texture, and hypothesize what each rock is....
Lesson Plan
Utah Education Network

Uen: Mineral Magic

For Teachers 4th
Classify rocks and minerals according to their characteristics.
Lesson Plan
Utah Education Network

Uen: Classifying Rocks and Minerals

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify rock types by observing key characteristics.
Unit Plan
Utah State Office of Education

Utah Science: Rocks, Minerals, and Soils Introduction

For Students 2nd - 5th
Dig into the layers of activities exploring and investigating minerals and how they are related to both rocks and soil.
Lesson Plan
Utah Education Network

Uen: The Great Rock Sort

For Teachers 2nd
Describe and sort rocks by their physical properties.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Engineering for the 3 Little Pigs

For Students 3rd - 5th
The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate the importance of rocks, soils and minerals in engineering and how using the right material for the right job is important. The students build three different sand castles and test them for...

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