Introduction
Core Standard: SC.4.E.6.1 Identify the three categories of rocks: igneous, (formed from molten rock); sedimentary (pieces of other rocks and fossilized organisms); and metamorphic (formed from heat and pressure).
Grade: 4
Topic: Earth Science
Have you ever wondered how the Earth was made? If so, learning about the creation of rocks can give some wonderful insight on just how the Earth was created, and can even tell us how old certain places are just based on what types of rock are found there! You're invited on a journey to discover how these sometimes shiny but always unique stones are made, and the three categories that each and every rock falls under.
Task
Each group will be formed of 3 MAD SCIENTISTS!
OH NO! AN EARTHQUAKE IN THE LAB HAS CAUSED ALL OF THE ROCKS TO FALL OFF THEIR LABELS! QUICKLY, BEFORE TIME IS UP, HELP PUT THEM BACK IN THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACES!
The Researcher - The RESEARCHER will use all of their available resources (their science book as well as their group's notes) to understand more about the rock types sitting on your work benches. They will be in charge of identifying their rocks as either igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary based on the INFORMATION in your RESOURCES!
The Classifyer - The CLASSIFYER will write down on their HANDOUT the description of each of their 10 rocks. Are they shiny or dull? Large or small? What color are they? The only way we will know is if YOU write it down!
The Organizer - The ORGANIZER will be in charge of placing each rock, once identified, onto their designated note cards. The ORGANIZER may ALSO assist the RESEARCHER and CLASSIFYER when needed!
IMPORTANT!!!!
Keep in mind all of the elements that we learned about TEXT TYPES in class yesterday! Remember to look for HEADINGS in your textbook and notes!
Process
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In your groups decide who will have what job! If you are having difficulty the teacher can decide for you.
2. On your table is a pile of 10 rocks. Organize the rocks from smallest to largest.
3. Take your first rock and place it between your three scientists. The CLASSIFYER may begin their written description of the first rock. Once finished, the RESEARCHER may then proceed to look up the rock in order to identify it. All three scientists should check to see if there are any similarities between your text/notes and the classifyer's descriptions to help narrow down the search.
4. Once the rock is identified, place it on the designated notecard with the correct rock name on it.
5. Then place colored sticker on notecard to show whether the rock is igneous, (red) sedimentary, (blue) or metamorphic, (green)
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you have finished every rock.
Evaluation
EVALUATION!
Each stone must be classified with the correct sticker and be placed on the correct name card. (1 pt for each correct identification.)
AT LEAST 3 COMPLETE sentences should be written describing each rock, as well as the headings your group used to find each rocks. (5 pts for sentences)
1 bonus point will be added to each description if headings are correctly listed!!!!
60 pts TOTAL
70 pts AVAILABLE
Conclusion
CONGRATULATIONS SCIENTISTS!
You have been SUCCESSFUL in finding the correct places for the rocks!
You are now able to correctly identify rocks and what category they fall under! Where they made from molten heat of volcanos? Or were they remains of fossilized plants and creatures from long ago? Now YOU are able to tell the difference!
***SCIENTISTS! Do NOT forget to turn in your handouts at the end of class with ALL of your names on them!