Curated OER
Rock Identification Lab
Eighth graders compare and contrast the three different types of rock. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders classify rock samples according to their correct rock type. They design their own data collection table.
Curated OER
Soapy Stress
Students investigate the three types of material stress related to rocks. They identify the three types of stress, conduct a simulation by breaking bars of soap using only their hands, and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
The Formation of Resources
For this rock worksheet, students review the three types of rocks and their distinguishing characteristics. This worksheet has 10 matching and 10 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Rock Art Stories
Young scholars examine different types of rock art. They analyze them to try to figure out the meaning of the art. They create their own rock art that tells a story. They share their creation with the class.
Curated OER
This is Your Rock, This is My Rock
Fourth graders review the types of rocks and minerals they see in photographs. Individually, they are shown a sample of rocks or minerals and classify them based on their characteristics. They give their observations to another...
Curated OER
Plate Tectonics: First Grade Lesson Plans and Activities
A set of first grade geology lessons focuses on plate tectonics and movement of plate boundaries. During the pre-lab, learners experience three types of plate movement through a kinesthetic demonstration. The lab demonstrates stresses...
Scholastic
Hill of Fire Teaching Plan
Some books are perfect for drawing connections between multiple subjects. The book Hill of Fire becomes the hub for three very different, yet related activity ideas. First the class hones their oral language skills by creating an...
Curated OER
Changes of Musical Elements in Popular Music Through the Decades
Students probe samples of European classical, American jazz, and rock and roll to analyze the similarities and differences. The styles and form of these three types of music are examined for tempo, timbre, and rhythm.
Curated OER
Name That Tune
Young scholars complete a fingerprint oil lab in order to simulate how geologists use the oil and natural gas in rocks to hear sound waves that signify there are oil in those rocks. In this rocks lesson plan, students learn that the rock...
Curated OER
Earth and Rocks Quiz
In this earth and rocks quiz worksheet, students complete an on-line quiz, clicking on questions and matching answers, scoring 1 point for each correct answer. A printed version is available.
Curated OER
AC/DC Gods of Rock
Motivate your learners with this fun quiz. They answer questions about the rock band AC/DC. This is a great way to help them hone their research skills.
Curated OER
Volcanoes: Fourth Grade Lesson Plans and Activities
Young geologists begin exploring volcanoes of different structures and states: active, extinct, or dormant. During the lab, they make three models and compare different types of volcanoes, including composite, cinder cone, and shield....
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
Fossils!
Learners explore what fossils are, how they are formed, what different types there are and why they are significant to both our present and past geology history. They participate in a hands on fossil observation of their choice and...
Curated OER
How Much is Dirt Worth?
Dirt is worthless, isn't it? Find out the true value of dirt, and by dirt I mean soil. The class explores what makes soil, the types of soil, and what happens when soil becomes void of its nutrients. There are several great activities,...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Molecular Genetics of Color Mutations in Rock Pocket Mice
Can you identify mutations just by viewing DNA sequences? Scholars apply prior knowledge of DNA sequences to do just that in an engaging activity. They transcribe and translate genes, thus identifying the locations of mutations. Then,...
Curated OER
My Pet Rock
Students learn about and create a pet rock. In this creative expression lesson, students pick a rock to make into their "pet". Students use various art materials to create their pets and write a personal profile which includes...
Curated OER
Weathering and Wind
In this weathering and wind worksheet, students simulate the effects of weathering by wind using 2 canisters, 2 types of sandpaper and 2 sugar cubes. Students swirl the sugar cubes inside the canisters lined with fine and course...
Curated OER
Mining Simulation
Eighth graders put their knowledge of rocks and minerals into perspective by seeing how minerals can be mined and the difficulties and costs of mining. They explore the environmental impacts of mining.
Curated OER
Soil Isn't Dirty; It's Diverse!
Second graders participate in a soil activity. In this soil instructional activity students complete a worksheet describing different soil types and the organic and inorganic things found in them.
Curated OER
Observing and Classifying Rocks
Fourth graders examine various types of rocks and record their properties. They collect rocks at home and bring them to school where they are mixed and distributed to groups of students. After writing their observations on...
Curated OER
Volcanoes: Kindergarten Lesson Plans and Activities
In the pre-lab, kindergarteners mimic the movements of the eruption of a volcano and discover various volcanoes around the United States. Then, pupils sort different types of volcanic rocks in the lab before learning how volcanoes grow...
Science Friday
Mineral Madness
Science does not need to be as hard as a rock. Pupils test 10 different minerals to determine their properties. The learners observe luster, streak, hardness, and fluorescence for each specimen. Afterwards, they compare and contrast the...
Annenberg Foundation
Geometry 3D Shapes: 3D Shapes
Explore vocabulary related to three-dimensional shapes. An instructional website describes the characteristics of different geometric solids. Learners can use an interactive component to view nets, faces, vertices, and edges of common...