How do rocks compare to soil?
Initial Publication Date: August 2, 2009
Summary
In this classroom investigation students will observe and chart similarities and differences in rocks and soil. The teacher and students will complete a Venn diagram to show their data. For the assessment the students will complete a T Chart and will write soil on one side and rock on the other. They will observer the materials on the table in front of them which is 3 soil samples and 3 rocks. Each will have a letter label from A-F. They will write the correct letter name under each word as they correctly identify rocks and soil. They then will complete the prompt, This is a rock because, and this is a soil because.
CollapseLearning Goals
This investigation is designed for students to;
1. Observe the different physical properties in soil and rocks.
2.They will use tools to gather information.
3.They will record information and summarize their data.
1. Observe the different physical properties in soil and rocks.
2.They will use tools to gather information.
3.They will record information and summarize their data.
Context for Use
This science investigation is for grade one. It is appropriate for 18-25 students. This activity is considered a lab and could be completed in any school or building with tables and appropriate materials. This activity will take 30-40 minutes. Special materials include hand lenses, forceps, and sand sieves.
Prior to this activity students should have had observation experiences with comparing and contrasting different kinds of rock and soil types. This activity will be completed in the spring of first grade. Individuals could modify this activity and use it in most any other settings such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs ect...
Prior to this activity students should have had observation experiences with comparing and contrasting different kinds of rock and soil types. This activity will be completed in the spring of first grade. Individuals could modify this activity and use it in most any other settings such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs ect...
Description and Teaching Materials
Materials needed for this activity include; forceps, hand lenses, rocks and soil samples, Venn diagram for recording data.
Introduction of the activity,
The teacher will begin by telling students we will begin a classroom investigation comparing rocks and soil. I will share the procedures of the investigation with the students.
Procedures include;
1. Students will work in groups of 4 or 5.
2. Materials needed will be reviewed and will be placed at each table, hand lenses, forceps, sand sieves, rocks and soil samples.
3. One small dish or soil and enough rocks so each child has one to observe will be at each table.
4. The teacher will tell the students that as we observe the rocks and soil we will record our observations on the Venn diagram.
Next the students will begin the investigation by observing rocks. The teacher will direct them by reminding them that we make observations by using our five senses, hear, taste, touch, smell, see. Students will be given time to explore. I will then direct their attention to the Venn diagram chart on the white board to the side that says rock and ask "What observations have you made? The teacher or students will record responses. If prompts are needed one could ask. When you observe your rock how does it feel? What do you see using your hand lenses? What shape does it remind you of? Observations will be recorded and then students will be given more time if needed to make additional observations. The teacher will direct them to do the same thing with soil. They will be asked to dump their soil on a sheet of paper as they explore and encouraged to use their hand lenses and forceps. The teacher will again ask for volunteers to record their observations under soil on the Venn diagram. If students are needing some inquiry prompts I might ask, What do you see? How does it feel?
Next I will tell them we are going to put the soil in the sand sieve and shake it slightly. What do you predict you will observe? I will write the predictions on the board in this form I think we will see____because
Students then will be directed to place the soil from the paper onto the sand sieve, and place the paper under the sieve and then begin to move is back and forth. Guided inquiry questions might include What do you see now that you didn't see before? Did the sieve help you make any new observations? The teacher or a student will record new information on the venn diagram. I am hoping that students discover there are rocks in soil. The teacher will direct them to the Venn diagram and to ask them how soil and rocks are similar. As they observe and explore with their materials I will have students write observations on the Venn diagram. Guided inquiry questions might include How are these to materials alike? How do they look the same? How do they feel the same? What is the same about rocks and soil?
Closure Strategies;
I will redirect students to their predictions and ask was our prediction right? Why or why not? We then will discuss our data on the Venn diagram. The teacher will then ask "What further questions can we ask about rocks or soil?" "What did we see in the soil?" "Do you think anything else can be found in soil"? I would like for students to come up with a investigable question. I will have students work in their group and write a question in their notebook.
At this time the activity is over. We will clean up.
Introduction of the activity,
The teacher will begin by telling students we will begin a classroom investigation comparing rocks and soil. I will share the procedures of the investigation with the students.
Procedures include;
1. Students will work in groups of 4 or 5.
2. Materials needed will be reviewed and will be placed at each table, hand lenses, forceps, sand sieves, rocks and soil samples.
3. One small dish or soil and enough rocks so each child has one to observe will be at each table.
4. The teacher will tell the students that as we observe the rocks and soil we will record our observations on the Venn diagram.
Next the students will begin the investigation by observing rocks. The teacher will direct them by reminding them that we make observations by using our five senses, hear, taste, touch, smell, see. Students will be given time to explore. I will then direct their attention to the Venn diagram chart on the white board to the side that says rock and ask "What observations have you made? The teacher or students will record responses. If prompts are needed one could ask. When you observe your rock how does it feel? What do you see using your hand lenses? What shape does it remind you of? Observations will be recorded and then students will be given more time if needed to make additional observations. The teacher will direct them to do the same thing with soil. They will be asked to dump their soil on a sheet of paper as they explore and encouraged to use their hand lenses and forceps. The teacher will again ask for volunteers to record their observations under soil on the Venn diagram. If students are needing some inquiry prompts I might ask, What do you see? How does it feel?
Next I will tell them we are going to put the soil in the sand sieve and shake it slightly. What do you predict you will observe? I will write the predictions on the board in this form I think we will see____because
Students then will be directed to place the soil from the paper onto the sand sieve, and place the paper under the sieve and then begin to move is back and forth. Guided inquiry questions might include What do you see now that you didn't see before? Did the sieve help you make any new observations? The teacher or a student will record new information on the venn diagram. I am hoping that students discover there are rocks in soil. The teacher will direct them to the Venn diagram and to ask them how soil and rocks are similar. As they observe and explore with their materials I will have students write observations on the Venn diagram. Guided inquiry questions might include How are these to materials alike? How do they look the same? How do they feel the same? What is the same about rocks and soil?
Closure Strategies;
I will redirect students to their predictions and ask was our prediction right? Why or why not? We then will discuss our data on the Venn diagram. The teacher will then ask "What further questions can we ask about rocks or soil?" "What did we see in the soil?" "Do you think anything else can be found in soil"? I would like for students to come up with a investigable question. I will have students work in their group and write a question in their notebook.
At this time the activity is over. We will clean up.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Prior to this activity students have classified just rocks or compared soil types. In this activity we are comparing and contrasting rocks to soil. I have not done this activity before. As students are making observations I will need to use guided inquiry as needed to help them form questions and responses for the Venn diagram. I may need to help them use their hand lenses and forceps. I will need to make sure I have enough cups or bowls of soil samples which were collected earlier and used in a previous lesson.
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Assessment
For my assessment each student will complete a T chart that is in their notebook. They will write soil on one side and rock o the other. Different rocks and soil samples will be displaced. Three different soil types and 3 different rocks. Each one labeled a-f. The student will write the correct letter name of a rock under rock and will do the same for soil. Under the rock the student will complete the sentence This is a rock because_______, under the soil he/she will complete this sentence This is soil because________.
Standards
This investigation goes with the standard, The nature of science and engineering, 1.1.3.2.1., recognize that tools are used by people, including scientists and engineers, to gather information and solve problems. It will also address the standard earth and space science 1.2.1.3.2., describe similarities and differences between soil and rocks.