In this inquiry based lesson, students identify rocks by examining rock characteristics and processes. Students observe rocks, create their own rock field guide, and discover how rocks are formed. All charts and students handouts are included in a printable format.
Students collaborate on a study of Metamorphic, Igneous and Sedimentary Rock.
In this game activity, students investigate how rocks are related to each other and learn about the rock cycle.
On this webpage, students read a short selection about the different types of rocks (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic) and make a model of each. For igneous and sedimentary rocks, they use household supplies to mix a model rocks and compare them to a real samples. For metamorphic rocks, students make "metamorphic waffles." At the end of the page, students can take an interactive self checking quiz to see what they have learned about the different types of rocks.
In this interactive activity, students test their knowledge of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks by identifying photographed samples of each kind. The activity contains active links to definitions of each type of rock for students who need help.
In this lesson, students use observational skills to identify whether samples are minerals or rocks. They will also distinguish rock samples as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
In this slide show students learn that igneous rocks are formed from magma. Magma exists inside the earth's surface, and it becomes lava when it is released through a volcanic eruption.
In this slide show, students learn that metamorphic rocks can be formed from sedimentary, igneous and even other metamorphic rocks. Students can view variuos examples of metamorphic rocks.
In this slide show, students learn that sedimentary rock is naturally formed in the Earth's crust. It is formed when sediment deposits form layers, compact, and then cement together, creating a new rock. Sedimentary rocks are used for building materials, and sometimes they even contain fossils.
In this video, students learn that rock is a hard, solid material, consisting of one or more minerals, that makes up the Earth. Rocks continuously change from one type to another through the rock cycle process. There are three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
In this virtual resource, students will observe rocks in their own schoolyard and take a virtual field trip to Spencer Mountain, learning from a local historian and geologist about the natural and human history of the landform.
The wakelet site features videos demonstrating hands-on activities for students to complete at school in small, socially-distanced settings. Activities may also be adapted for at-home learning. Some activities incorporate an outdoor component, acknowledging the need to balance screen time with green time to support mental health. Tips for taking your students outside can be found here: https://education.eol.org/cnc_materials/TipsForTeachingOutside.pdf
Students researching the formation of each type of rock and use the evidence from knowledge of the rock cycle to write a story about a pet rock. The story will include the rock changing from magma to each type of rock including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Students will present their pet rock story to the class.
This video includes an interview with Tim Heafner, an amateur geologist and historian from Gaston County. I also demonstrate a fun activity modeling the formation of Spencer mountain.
Join me as I uncover the secrets of one of Gaston’s County’s most beloved but overlooked landmark: Spencer Mountain. In this video, I investigate such questions as: who owns the mountain? How did it form? And- can I go to the top? But, a visit to the mountain raises more questions than it answers, so stay tuned for next week’s Part 2 as I continue to explore the history of this mountain.
In this lesson, students learn about the the 3 types of rocks and how they are formed by modeling the processes of the rock cycle.
Travel through The Blue Ridge Mountains using a variety of media with your students and experience the fall foliage of North Carolina. This document has links to images, a movie in MP4 format, and a 360 photo that can be copied and could be used to put together a virtual tour in Thinglink to share with your students. Images of the original Thinglink are also included to make it easier to recreate.