Virginia Department of Education
Three Types of Rocks
Rock out with the second installment of a five-part series on earth materials and processes. Your budding geologists make observations of given rock samples and posit classification systems for rocks. They then learn about the...
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Edible Rocks
Students create meteorite models using candy bars. In this earth science lesson, students describe the physical features of a meteorite. They sketch it and write a short description about it.
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The Geology of a Snicker’s Bar: Tectonic Plates
Students explore the layers of the Earth using a Snicker's bar. In this science lesson plan, students identify the parts of the Snicker's bar and identify which layer of the Earth the parts of the candy bar would represent. Students...
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If You Bit A Rock
Learners describe the physical characteristics of a familiar model and apply it to an unfamiliar one. In this investigative lesson students become familiar with rock characteristics by participating in a candy bar activity.
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Candy Bar Subsurface Geology
Students are introduced to drawing and interpreting topographical maps. They each cut through there Jell-o mountain at regular height intervals, and trace around the shape of the Jell-o cut off at the height, overlaying the different...
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Candy Quakes
Eighth graders, using a candy bar, gum, and Twizzlers, demonstrate the effects of deformational forces on the earth's crust. They examine the processes of rock and fossil formation.
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Candy Quakes
Eighth graders use candy to show the effects of deformation forces on the earth's crust. In this rock and fossil formation lesson students construct models and simulations to describe and explain natural phenomena.
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Classification Introduction
Learners simulate classifying rocks using different colored skittles. In this earth science lesson, students create a Venn diagram according to their compiled information. They share this diagram in the class.
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Aerology- The Study of Mars
Learners investigate various aspects of the planet Mars. They examine a core sample that is simulated to make observations. Then compare the known sample with one that is unknown and differentiate between the two. Students hypothesize...
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Bite Sized Core Sampling
Students define the origin of rock samples and how surface core samples can tell us about the history and make-up of Mars. Candies are used as a Martian surface sample. Students study the samples and make a hypothesis about the cause of...
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Areology-The Study of Mars
Students examine core samples from Mars and discover what they can use it to tell the history of Mars. In this core sample lesson students create and analyze their own core samples then eat them at the end.
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Corn Cob Toys
Students make toys from corn cobs. They study the many uses for corn, both historically and today. They write a description of the toy/object he or she has made and provide instructions for making it. They write and perform plays,...
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Can You Measure Up!
Seventh graders investigate standards of measurement and metric units using a game to show the importance of standards of measurements. In this measuring lesson plan, 7th graders are grouped together and each group represents a foreign...
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Physical Properties Of Coal
Students examine and identify the observable properties of coal. After a lecture/demo, students perform a simple experiment. They observe samples of coal and record data in an organized manner.
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Motion and Gravity
Third graders make parachutes to learn about gravity and the science process. In this gravity lesson, 3rd graders create parachutes and observe their flight in air. Students discuss wind and gravity for the activity.