Looking at Minnesota Geology
Initial Publication Date: August 25, 2009
Summary
This activity is used to look at the geology in Minnesota through rock and mineral samples. Students will receive a group set of rocks to observe. Students will be asked to describe each rock by size, color and density. They will be asked to make a drawing of each rock type. Students will then be asked to create a description of their rock with out giving the name to the class in their science journals. The class will try to guess the rock type during whole group.
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Learning Goals
Students will work to describe rocks correctly.
Students will learn what makes up various rocks and minerals.
Students will work cooperatively in a group setting.
Students will learn what makes up various rocks and minerals.
Students will work cooperatively in a group setting.
Context for Use
This activity can be done at the k-2 grade level. And will last about 40min. It should be spread out between two days for k-1 students. Students should know the following concepts before this activity, what a rock is and what a mineral is. This activity could also work for upper grade levels.
Description and Teaching Materials
Materials:
Science Journals
Crayons, Colored Pencils
Sample rocks- about 12 different types in a nice tackle box type of case.
Introduction: Discuss with students the following question: What makes a rock unique? (Write their ideas on chart paper)
Ask students to work in groups of 3-4 to investigate the case of rocks. Have students decide which rock they would like to make a description for and also draw a picture of in their science journals. Inform students that they will have the class guess the rock they chose when they come back together as a group.
Science Journals
Crayons, Colored Pencils
Sample rocks- about 12 different types in a nice tackle box type of case.
Introduction: Discuss with students the following question: What makes a rock unique? (Write their ideas on chart paper)
Ask students to work in groups of 3-4 to investigate the case of rocks. Have students decide which rock they would like to make a description for and also draw a picture of in their science journals. Inform students that they will have the class guess the rock they chose when they come back together as a group.
Teaching Notes and Tips
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Assessment
View all student science journals for understanding.
Standards
1.3.1.3.1 Group or classify rocks in terms of color, shape, size.