Title: What Is A Rock?

Teacher: Sonya Peters Grade Level: Fourth Lesson Time Frame: 40 minutes

Lesson Context: Students will participate in whole group observation by examining a variety of
rock samples. They will then draw the three kinds of rocks. Vocabulary will be included in each lesson.

ALCOS: 7.) Describe geological features of Earth, including bodies of water, beaches, ocean
ridges, continental shelves, plateaus, faults, canyons, sand dunes, and ice caps. 2.) (Art) Produce two- and three-dimensional works of art with a variety of traditional and digital processes, materials, subject matter, and techniques.

Lesson Focus-Engagement: The focus of this lesson is to introduce the basic definition and
characteristics of rocks. Primarily, students will be engaged by exploring various kinds of rocks and making their own discoveries. Students will think about the contents of rocks. What is a rock?

Science Concepts: Rocks are made-up of minerals.

There are three groups of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Rocks are formed both within and on the surface of the Earth.

Skills: observing, communicating, exploring, classifying, drawing Student Objectives:

After this lesson students should be able to: 1. Name the three group classifications of rocks 2. Describe both similarities and differences between rock samples 3. Design a rock information book

Safety Notes: Students are to observe all class rules.

Students are not to put the rocks in their mouth. Students will not throw the rocks. Students will wash their hands at the end of the lesson.

Focus Question: 1. What is in a rock?

2. What is a mineral? 3. What are the three group classifications of rocks?

Engagement:
Class Discussion (15 minutes) Teacher will bring out a tray of cookies and pass them out such that each student has two cookies. Teacher will ask if anyone has ever watched a grown-up make cookies. Teacher will explain that ingredients are first put into a bowl. The ingredients are then mixed together and baked. The heat causes the ingredients to change into something new. It will be explained that some rocks form in a very similar way. Teacher will ask students what they think would be the ingredients of a rock, or rather, what is in a rock?

Exploration:
Rock Observation (5 minutes) Students will observe rock and mineral collection and participate in whole group discussion. They will discuss similarities and differences between the rocks. Teacher will encourage students to notice characteristics such as color, texture, size, and weight differences. Students will conduct hardness and streak tests and record data on sheets provided. (This activity will require extra time; teacher will make accommodations for completion of tests throughout the unit.)

Explanation:
Class Discussion (10 minutes) Teacher will discuss rock and mineral contents. The three rock groups (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) will be defined. Students will add the following vocabulary words to their science note cards: rock, mineral, intrusive, extrusive

Extension:
Homework Students will be asked to find two pictures of rocks on the internet. They will need to bring them to school the next day. The rocks will be added to the rock book unit project.

Questions:
1. Do all rocks contain the exact same minerals? 2. Can you name three ways that people use rocks?

Evaluation: Formative Assessment: (10 minutes) Students will create a three-way foldable. They will
place the names of the three kinds of rocks on the outside flaps. Students will draw an example of each of the rock types on the inside of the foldable. Students can use the rock samples as a guide.

Evaluation/ Assessments:
Formative (See evaluation above) Do students know the three kinds of rocks? Students will create a foldable. Observation check Teacher will monitor student progress and offer assistance as needed.

Materials and Supplies Needed: rock collection (on loan from AMSTI), cookies (two per
student), materials for foldables: blank colored paper, colors, markers, scissors, construction paper. rock group cut-outs (letters for book titles), hardness and streak data sheets, unglazed ceramic tiles

Advance Preparation: Gather and prepare rock collection display, collect supplies for foldables
and booklets, search for additional photo examples to use during instruction (optional) Management Plan: Students are to follow all class rules. They are to be informed of the rules regarding safety during this lesson. Students with special needs will participate in all lesson activities. Directions will be repeated and personal assistance granted, if necessary.