Curated OER
Rockin' Around New Jersey
Students use reference materials to discover which specimens are igneous or metamorphic. Students answer the questions on the provided sheets. Students identify the average differences in elevation of the regions of New Jersey. Students...
Curated OER
Geology: Famous Rock Groups
Fourth graders, in groups, use books to identify types of rocks. They examine the rocks and complete rock evidence charts. Students compose definitions for each rock type and determine uses for igneous rocks by early mankind.
Curated OER
Rock Families
Students study the three types of rock characteristics; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. They are divided into three groups and each group takes one of the rock characteristics. They then act out the characteristics of their rock...
Curated OER
Petrology in the Field and Laboratory
Students collect samples in the field, analyze them using various tools and instruments, then present their results and interpretations. They examine igneous and metamorphic rocks in detail and interpret petrologic data.
Curated OER
Petrology in the Gravel Pit
Young scholars are introduced to a wide range of rock types when they examine pebbles and boulders exposed in a gravel pit. Students practice rock description and identification and categorize the rocks sedimentary, igneous, or...
Curated OER
A Special Relationship: Connecticut and Its Settlers
Pupils study both geological and geographical features of Connecticut and the New Haven area. They focus on map works and rock formation.
eSchool Today
E School Today: Your Revision Notes on Rocks
Covers the three main types of rocks, different weathering processes, erosion, and the rock cycle.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Rocks and Landforms
Eight hands-on lessons module where students learn about rocks and landforms. These inquiry-based investigations explore the different types of rocks, how they are formed, the different types of landforms, and the effects of glaciers on...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Volcanic Features
This interactive resource adapted from the National Park Service illustrates the variety of landforms and features created by volcanoes. Featured are calderas, craters, fumaroles and other geothermal features, igneous rocks, lava flows,...
Other
Mineralogical Society of America: Collector's Corner
In-depth resource for identifying rocks. Includes an interactive rock identification key to help you figure out the name of your rock.
Children's Museum
Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Floating Rock Geo Mysteries
Did you know that there are some rocks that actually float? Follow this interactive investigation to find out which ones and why.
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Rocks and Minerals
Essential guide to geology of the National Parks focuses on minerals and the different types of rocks. Includes a visual glossary.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Geology of Devil's Tower
Welcome to Devil's Tower National Park in Wyoming! This highly interactive website reveals the geological processes behind the formation of this unique natural structure.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Rock Types Lab
A well-designed lesson on rocks where students first learn about how the three categories of rocks form (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic), then must examine the features of different rock samples, and determine which category each...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Rock Cycle
This tutorial explains the rock cycle--from beginning to end! It is full of activities, assessments, games, slideshows and all kinds of interactive material. Learn what rocks are made of and how they change from one form to another....
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Rocks
In this interactive tutorial you'll learn about rocks and the rock cycle. You'll be introduced to the three different rock types and what makes them what they are. You'll also learn about how the matter that makes up these rocks is...
University of Oregon
Museum of Natural and Cultural History: Rocks and Minerals: Everyday Uses
Click on the shelves in this virtual exhibition to learn about the many rocks and minerals that we use in our everyday lives.
Other
Caterpillar: Ground Rules: Mining Right for a Sustainable Future [Pdf]
This set of lesson plans was developed to accompany Ground Rules: Mining Right for a Sustainable Future, a documentary film created by Caterpillar and Science North. They introduce students to the various phases involved in mining,...
Other
Primary Structures in Igneous Rocks [Pdf]
This 23-page slideshow explains what intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks are and the characteristics of their structures. Each type of structure is accompanied by one or more images. (Website for Mining Engineering students at Mehran...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Rock Cycle
Gain an understanding of the cycles that form metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks.
National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training (Spain)
Ministerio De Educacion: La Alteracion De Las Rocas Superficiales
This unit goes deeper into the knowledge of the three petro genetic environments: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. It includes 13 interactive activities.
University of Hawai'i
Pretty Green Mineral Pretty Dry Mars
Olivine-bearing rocks, similar to those found in Hawaii, have been found on Mars. Use this site to learn more about what has been found on Mars.
James Madison University
James Madison University: Keys to Igneous Rock Classification
Click for different identification keys for igneous rocks to help you classify them correctly. Includes various color/texture keys as well as classification charts. (NOTE: At the time of writing this, the PDF links were configured...