After wrapping up the unit on soil, we begin to tackle Rocks and Minerals! We start this unit out by learning the kinds of physical properties scientists and geologists use to identify the different types of minerals in our Earth. The physical properties our students became experts on are color, luster, hardness, cleavage and streak. Students get up close and personal with many types of minerals, testing these minerals to identify every one of its physical properties. Some students are even able to accurately identify the mineral based on the properties alone!
Learning Standards:
Give a simple explanation of what a mineral is and some examples, e.g., quartz, mica.
Identify the physical properties of minerals (hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and streak), and explain how minerals can be tested for these different physical properties.
Learning Standards:
Give a simple explanation of what a mineral is and some examples, e.g., quartz, mica.
Identify the physical properties of minerals (hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and streak), and explain how minerals can be tested for these different physical properties.
The Rock Cycle
Students not only learn that rocks are made up of one or more minerals, but also that
rocks are continuously changing from one type into another through the rock cycle. Each rock can be put into one of three categories.....Igneous, Metamorphic, or Sedimentary. Students research each type of rock finding what makes each one unique, how each type is made, and find examples of each type of rock. There is a lot of hard work going on throughout this unit! Students have the opportunity to bring in rocks from their yards to identify as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary!
Learning Standard:
Identify the three categories of rocks (metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary) based on how they are formed, and explain the natural and physical processes that create these rocks.
To help us remember the rock cycle and how rocks are formed, we learn a song about the cycle to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Here are the words - ask your child to sing it to you!
SEDIMENTARY rock
Has been formed in layers
Often found near water sources
With fossils from decayers
Then there’s IGNEOUS rock
Here since Earth was born
Molten Lava, cooled and hardened
That’s how it is formed
These two types of rocks
Can also be transformed
With pressure, heat and chemicals
METAMORPHIC they’ll become.
Students not only learn that rocks are made up of one or more minerals, but also that
rocks are continuously changing from one type into another through the rock cycle. Each rock can be put into one of three categories.....Igneous, Metamorphic, or Sedimentary. Students research each type of rock finding what makes each one unique, how each type is made, and find examples of each type of rock. There is a lot of hard work going on throughout this unit! Students have the opportunity to bring in rocks from their yards to identify as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary!
Learning Standard:
Identify the three categories of rocks (metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary) based on how they are formed, and explain the natural and physical processes that create these rocks.
To help us remember the rock cycle and how rocks are formed, we learn a song about the cycle to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Here are the words - ask your child to sing it to you!
SEDIMENTARY rock
Has been formed in layers
Often found near water sources
With fossils from decayers
Then there’s IGNEOUS rock
Here since Earth was born
Molten Lava, cooled and hardened
That’s how it is formed
These two types of rocks
Can also be transformed
With pressure, heat and chemicals
METAMORPHIC they’ll become.