Rock Day

Objective:
The students will list the three different types of rocks, where rock comes from, and objects in their environment which are made from rock.

Materials

• A book about rocks, such as The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, or a link to the following site for information; http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/create/index.html. 

• Chart Paper or Chalkboard

• Rock Worksheet

• A collection of different types of rock, if available, or pictures of different rocks may be used at the above mentioned web site. 

Procedure

1. Ask the students to think of items in their environment which are made out of rocks.  Typically they will only be able to name a few, if any.  List these on the chart paper or blackboard.  Next ask them if they know where rocks come from.

2. Read the book or share the information at the web site.  Focus on the facts of how the earth is made of rock and how the 3 different types of rocks are formed.  Sedimentary - settled dust and sand which have been pressed together over time, turning into rock.  Metamorphic - one kind of rock has been changed by heat and pressure, turning into a new kind of rock.  Igneous rocks - also called fire rocks are formed from melted rock, such as lava, which have cooled.  Link the following words together to help the students remember what the 3 types mean: sedimentary - settle, metamorphic - change, igneous - fire.  If real examples of some of these rocks are available, share them.  If not allow the children to view pictures of these different types of rocks in books or on the aforementioned web site.

3. Also share information on items in our environment which are made from rock.  The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth contains information on this topic as well as the following link; http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/expert/index.html.

4. Once the book and/or information have been shared, ask the students to add to their list of items made from rock.  Include items such as; concrete, chalk, chalkboards, statues, bricks, roads, etc.  If possible, go outside and look around for objects made from rock.

5. Pass out the Rock Worksheet.  Depending on the age of the class, either complete the worksheet together or have the students do it independently.  Younger students may draw pictures of items made from rock at the bottom of the sheet.

Other Lesson Ideas

1. Have the students classify their rocks they brought in according to different attributes, such as color, texture, size, etc.  This would be most appropriate for younger students.  They may determine the characteristics for classification on their own.

2. Have the students write observation sheets on their rocks.  For example, its color, texture, size, distinguishing features, etc.  They may draw a picture to accompany their description.  Display the rocks and descriptions in a "Rock Museum".

3. Have a lesson on fossils. Use one of the following links for reference http://web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/fossils/, or http://www.geobop.com/paleozoo/.