Lesson Plan - Get It!
Take a closer look at this image of a rock formation. Pretty wild, yes? How do you think it was formed?
You don't have to go very far to find a rock.
In fact, you can say that the Earth's crust is one giant rock. Rocks come in all shapes, textures, and sizes. Rocks may be formed deep beneath the Earth, or they may also form on its surface. Wherever they are formed, rocks are interesting geological features to study. Geologists (people who study rocks) have identified three main classifications of rocks. They are:
- igneous rocks
- metamorphic rocks
- sedimentary rocks
As you watch the presentation below, make a brief note of the three types of rocks mentioned, and some of the special features of each rock. Now, take a look at this SciShow Kids! video presentation, Be a Rock Detective:
Now, take a closer look at some rocks from each classification. As you look at the images, observe the characteristics of the rocks. For example, observe the shape, size, color, and texture (how you imagine the rock would feel). Discuss your observations with your parent or teacher.
Before you move on to the Got It? section, take a few moments to review the three classifications of rocks by singing along to 3 Types of Rock - A Science Song, by Mr. R.'s Songs for Teaching. Feel free to sing as loudly as you wish!
Now that you have learned to identify the three categories of rocks, "rock on" to the Got It? section to summarize what you have learned. Once you are there, you will have the opportunity to name each rock group, and test your understanding of rock classification with a guessing game.