CRUMBLING ROCKS - observing and describing rocks
Summary
In this activity students will observe and describe something they are familiar with (cookie snacks) to help them observe and describe the physical characteristics of something unfamiliar (rocks). This is also an excellent activity to introduce geological terminology used in describing rocks.
Learning Goals
- 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
Context for Use
Description and Teaching Materials
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.
Teaching Notes and Tips
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.
Assessment
Standards
- 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.
- Standard: The student will recognize basic earth materials
- A - Earth Structure and Processes
- Earth and Space Science