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Rock On! What Are Rocks?

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Rebecca DiBartolomeo

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Rock On! What Are Rocks? Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify and describe the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Understanding rocks helps students appreciate the natural world around them and lays a foundation for earth science. This lesson connects directly to the geology they see in the world.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a hands-on rock identification activity.

Materials

Rock On! Slide Deck, Rock Detective Worksheet, Assorted rock samples (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic), Magnifying glasses (optional), Warm-Up: Rock Starters, and Cool-Down: Rock Solid Learning

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Rock On! What Are Rocks? Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
    - Gather assorted rock samples (1-2 of each type: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) for the activity.
    - Print enough copies of the Rock Detective Worksheet for each student or group.
    - Ensure projector/display is ready for the Rock On! Slide Deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Rock Starters

5 minutes

Begin the class with the Warm-Up: Rock Starters. Ask students to share what they already know or wonder about rocks. Discuss their responses briefly.

Step 2

Introduction to Rock Types

10 minutes

Use the Rock On! Slide Deck to introduce the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Explain their formation processes using clear, simple language and visual examples from the slides. Encourage questions and discussion.

Step 3

Rock Detective Activity

10 minutes

Divide students into small groups (2-3 students). Distribute assorted rock samples (ensure each group has at least one of each rock type if possible) and copies of the Rock Detective Worksheet. Instruct students to observe the rocks, discuss their characteristics, and try to classify them based on what they learned from the slide deck. Encourage them to use magnifying glasses if available.

Step 4

Share and Discuss

3 minutes

Bring the class back together. Have each group share one rock sample they identified and explain why they classified it as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. Facilitate a brief class discussion, clarifying any misconceptions.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Rock Solid Learning

2 minutes

Distribute the Cool-Down: Rock Solid Learning for students to complete individually. This will serve as a quick exit ticket to assess their understanding of the main rock types.

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Slide Deck

Rock On! What Are Rocks?

Discover Earth's amazing building blocks!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of rocks. Ask if anyone has a favorite rock or has ever collected rocks to gauge prior knowledge.

What IS a Rock?

  • Rocks are natural, solid materials made of minerals.
  • They are all around us – in mountains, rivers, and even your backyard!
  • Earth is made of rocks!

Explain that rocks are not all uniform. They come in different types, just like animals or plants. This lesson will help us understand these differences.

Three Main Types of Rocks

  1. Igneous Rocks (Fiery Formation!)
  2. Sedimentary Rocks (Layer by Layer)
  3. Metamorphic Rocks (Changing Under Pressure)

Introduce the three main categories we'll be exploring today. Briefly mention the keyword or main idea for how each type forms.

Igneous Rocks: Born from Fire!

  • Formed when hot, melted rock (magma or lava) cools and hardens.
  • Think of a volcano! Magma is inside Earth, lava is outside.
  • Examples: Granite, Basalt, Obsidian (looks like black glass!)

Show pictures of volcanoes or cooled lava flows if possible to enhance understanding. Emphasize the 'fire' aspect and the difference between magma and lava.

Sedimentary Rocks: Layer by Layer

  • Formed from bits of other rocks, sand, mud, and shells (called sediment).
  • These layers pile up and get pressed together over a LONG time.
  • Often contain fossils!
  • Examples: Sandstone, Limestone, Shale

Use an analogy: imagine a sandy beach, then think of those layers getting squished for millions of years. Explain how fossils are often found in these rocks.

Metamorphic Rocks: Changing Under Pressure

  • Formed when existing rocks are changed by intense heat and pressure deep inside Earth.
  • They don't melt, but they get squished and cooked!
  • "Metamorphosis" means change!
  • Examples: Marble (from Limestone), Slate (from Shale), Gneiss

Use an analogy like squeezing Play-Doh or baking cookies. The ingredients are still there, but they've changed form due to heat and pressure. Explain 'metamorphosis' as 'change'.

Let's Review!

  • Igneous = Fire (cooled magma/lava)
  • Sedimentary = Layers (pressed sediment)
  • Metamorphic = Change (heat & pressure)

Conduct a quick verbal review. Ask students to shout out the key word or concept for each rock type to reinforce learning.

Time to Be Rock Detectives!

  • Work in groups.
  • Examine your rock samples.
  • Use your Rock Detective Worksheet to record your observations and classify each rock.

Explain the activity instructions clearly. Remind them to use the worksheet and to discuss their observations within their groups. Circulate and assist groups as they work.

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Warm Up

Warm-Up: Rock Starters

Instructions: Think about rocks for a moment. What's one thing you already know about rocks, or one question you have about them? Write your thoughts below!







Bonus Question: Have you ever found a cool rock? What did it look like or feel like?







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Worksheet

Rock Detective Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Instructions: Work with your group to examine each rock sample. Describe what you see and feel, then decide if it's an Igneous, Sedimentary, or Metamorphic rock.

Rock Sample 1

  1. Observations (What does it look like? Feel like?):






  2. What type of rock is it? (Circle one)
    • Igneous
    • Sedimentary
    • Metamorphic
  3. Why do you think so? (Hint: How did it form?)






Rock Sample 2

  1. Observations (What does it look like? Feel like?):






  2. What type of rock is it? (Circle one)
    • Igneous
    • Sedimentary
    • Metamorphic
  3. Why do you think so?






Rock Sample 3

  1. Observations (What does it look like? Feel like?):






  2. What type of rock is it? (Circle one)
    • Igneous
    • Sedimentary
    • Metamorphic
  3. Why do you think so?






Challenge Question: Imagine you find a rock with tiny seashells in it. What type of rock is it most likely to be and why?











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Cool Down

Cool-Down: Rock Solid Learning

Name: _________________________

Instructions: Answer the following questions to show what you've learned about rocks today!

  1. Which type of rock forms from melted rock (magma or lava) that cools?



  2. Which type of rock is made from layers of tiny bits of other rocks, sand, or shells that get pressed together?



  3. Which type of rock changes its form because of a lot of heat and pressure deep inside the Earth?



  4. Can you give one example of something made from a rock you learned about today?






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