Virginia Department of Education
Metamorphic Rocks
Rocks can bend? Pupils investigate how heat and pressure produce metamorphic rocks by modeling them using clay, and then categorize samples based on observable characteristics. The lesson ends with a metamorphic rock identification...
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What are Igneous Rocks and How are They Formed?
Crystals form before your very eyes! What sixth grader wouldn't enjoy this lesson on igneous rock formation? Using hot Salol, junior geologists observe the crystal formation process as the material cools. This comprehensive lesson plan...
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Rocks on Parade!
Third graders describe and classify rock samples. In this rock lesson plan, 3rd graders make inferences about rock samples by observing and measuring them. This lesson plan contains 5 different stations for the students to go to.
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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.
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Classifying Rocks and Minerals
Students identify rock types by observing key characteristics. Describe the differences between minerals and rocks. Observe rocks using a magnifying glass and draw shapes and colors of the minerals.
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Rock Identification Lab
Eighth graders compare and contrast the three different types of rock. In this earth science activity, 8th graders classify rock samples according to their correct rock type. They design their own data collection table.
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Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources: Mining in B.C.
Learners explore energy by categorizing rocks. In this British Columbia geology lesson plan, students define many different vocabulary terms associated with mining such as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Learners utilize sample...
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Rock Hounds
Second graders read Byrd Baylor's book "Everybody Needs a Rock", and select a rock, study it, and describe its attributes.
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The Formation of Coal
In this coal formation worksheet, students read and informational sheet about coal formation. Students are given 5 short-answer questions regarding what they've read.
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Layering the Soil
Young scholars study and classify soil. In this soil science instructional activity, students classify soil by texture and size and study soil horizons. Young scholars label the soil types with their specific soil horizon and learn about...
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Geology: Rock Hounds
Second graders read Byrd Baylor's book, Everybody Needs a Rock. In small groups, they examine rocks and list their characteristics. After writing down the descriptions on cards, the rocks are pooled together. Students then use the...
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Earth's Surfaces
Young scholars identify and define geology and earth surface vocaulary and their meanings to classify rocks and explore caves and their properties. Students find rocks and test them according to Moh's scale. They create a color coded...
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I Am A Rock, I Am An Island: Describing Landforms and Bodies of Water
Students identify common landforms and bodies of water from descriptions of distinguishing features. In this landforms and bodies of water lesson plan, students describe the features they see in the pictures given to them.
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Graphing It Daily
Students identify and demonstrate a positive learning attitude and use basic concepts and skills. Learners also communicate clearly in oral, artistic, written, and nonverbal form. Finally, students participate in the daily data...
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Data Collection and Presentation
Young scholars access how to collect, classify and display data involving statistics. The concepts of quantitative, discrete and continuous data is covered in depth within the lesson. They practice with a scenario of James filled with...
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Mineral Identification
In this mineral identification lesson plan, students analyze 14 minerals and test their physical properties. They test the color, luster, streak, hardness and breakage of each mineral. Students answer 5 questions about the physical...
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Worming Your Way Through the Soil
Students study soil, living and non-living particles in the soil, and learn about composting. In this soil study lesson, students study soil samples and discuss the living and non-living components of the soil. Students classify the...
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Dichotomous Keys
Third graders practice using dichotomous keys. They discover why scientists use them and why it is important to classify animals. They use candy to practice classifying objects and move on to classifying animals.
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Classification of Materials
Students classify photographs into a two-way classification system. They practice with pictures of people who are young and old, male and female, then they use pictures of animals to create their own two-way classification system.
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Hey, Look Me Over!
Students make observations about mealworms using hand lenses, rulers, and cotton swabs. Students complete their own mealworm observation chart, then they share their observations with the class. This is one station out of five in an...
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Fieldwork: Horizons Under Ground: Digging Through Wetland Soil
Learners study the different soil types and describe the different soils in various environments. In this soil lesson students walk to a reserve and discuss what they saw.
G. Turrell
Science Activity 2: Light & Sound
Little learners experiment with sunlight and map out how light travels. Using a mirror and slotted card, they find out about items that can reflect or absorb the light. They experiment with a variety of materials to find out how light...
It's About Time
Exploring Energy Resource Concepts
Please turn off the lights to conserve energy. Or not, after all energy is always conserved. This first lesson in an eight-part series includes three parts. Part A contains one hands-on activity and two inquiry-based experiments on heat...
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Sounds of the Wetlands
Students identify the sounds of different bird calls. In this biology instructional activity, students create a sound map. They explain how this method is important in tracking wildlife.