CRUMBLING ROCKS - observing and describing rocks

Students will be able to:

• Make a drawing based on careful observations
• Work in a team
• Locate and match information to answer questions
• Write words to describe what they see
• Label parts of their drawings
• Compare the rock sample to the cookie snack
• Name and identify the rock type (igneous) based on the observable physical characteristics of the rock
• Communicate and share their observations and drawings

This is a classroom hands-on activity that will give 1st and 2nd graders a chance to practice observation skills. The activity will run for about 40 - 50 minutes. Student should have already had a chance to generate some descriptive words on a word bank chart from previous lessons. Samples of three types of igneous rocks should be provided (basalt, scoria, tuff) for at least 26 students. This activity will be easy to adapt for use in other curriculum areas, like Language Arts and Geography. Included is an option for extending the lesson.

This activity fits well with a unit on rocks and minerals. Examples of one rock type, igneous volcanic, is presented. Description of the cookie snack and the rocks, in part will be generated by the students along with "Field-Notes" style terms used by geologists. The activity focuses strongly on the importance of observation, even of a very familiar item to the students. They will be encouraged to look at textures, shapes, and sizes of the materials.

Rock samples of three types of igneous volcanic rocks, (basalt, scoria, tuff), plastic hand lenses, corresponding prepared edible samples (cookie snacks cut so that a flat, cut face shows the interior, placed in small plastic bags), and sketch paper are the main materials that will be used.

Students are told that the ability to carefully observe and describe things improves with practice and this activity is a chance for them to practice these skills; they will work in teams of two or three; each team would obtain one prepared edible sample and sketch paper. Students will: choose a sample to observe and describe, make a detailed drawing of the sample on sketch paper - reinforcing that they draw what they see, not what they think it is, label parts of their drawing without using food names, and write two to three sentences describing the physical characteristics of the interior and exterior of the sample. When finished, each team will first share their description and drawings with the class. Next, students will be encouraged to go to the "Field Note" sample descriptions and rock samples which are arranged on a table to match up their edible samples to the correct rock sample.

This activity has been modified from a lesson plan by Christine V McLelland, Geological Society of America's Suburu Distinguished Earth Science Educator. It has been adapted for use of a small sample of one rock type - Igneous Volcanic for early elementary. The web site for the original lesson plan, If You Bit A Rock . . ., is subaruteacher@geosociety.org.

Emphasize the importance of working in teams. Have copies of cookie snack "Field Notes" descriptions ready (laminated for future use). Arrange the "Field Note" sample descriptions on a table with the corresponding rock so that students may attempt to match their own descriptions. Cut out the rock descriptions and place next to or under each rock.

In the past students did this activity individually, and with only the rock samples. It focused on sorting rocks by size. Doing it this way, the students will not only develop necessary observation skills, they will also be actively involved and motivated.

The assessment strategies to be used to determine whether or not students are achieving the learning goals for this activity would be one that would allow for continuous monitoring. Two formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that all students have opportunities to demonstrate what they understand about the lesson: Teacher Observation - anecdotal notes and 30-second interviews, and Student Sheets - students' drawing and or writing (a foldable book) activity.

Grade levels: 1 and 2

Earth and Space Science

A - Earth Structure and Processes

Standard: The student will recognize basic earth materials
The student will observe and describe rocks, soils, water, and air.