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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Crystallization

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students determine the differences between the crystallization of igneous and metamorphic rocks. They examine both liquid state and solid state crystallization.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Around the House

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students discover the three types of rock. They weigh and examine rock specimens.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sediment Deposition Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers set up a stream table, observe erosion, and record data on where various sizes of sediments settle. They draw conclusions as to what kind of sedimentary rock form in what locations.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks in our Backyard

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine igneous and sedimentary rocks. They observe and identify geological formations in their community, analyze igneous and sedimentary geological layers using a geological map, and use GPS to locate geological formations.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rockin' Minerals

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders view a clip of the video Backyard Safari, "Rocks and Minerals," and discuss properties of rocks and minerals. They view and discuss a clip on where rocks and minerals are found.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation 2 - Classifying Rocks

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify basic properties of minerals and rocks. They access websites and utilize worksheets imbedded in this instructional activity to further their understanding of rock classification.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Cycle

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders participate in a Rock Cycle game to gain an understanding of the cycles that form metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Science Works: Fossil Record - Televised Debate

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students compare the three theories used tp interpret fossil records. In this earth science lesson, students create a production of a televised debate. They collaborate with group members to generate relevant questions about the topic.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History of Rock

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders study rocks and their geology.  In this rock history lesson students divide into groups and complete and activity and table. 
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Sequence of Events Practice #5

For Students 7th - 12th
In this rock layers worksheet, students list the events needed to make the pattern of rock layers shown from oldest to youngest. This worksheet has 15 fill in the blank questions.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Science Cards

For Students 5th - 6th
In this science worksheet, students make and fill out two rock and mineral cards for their science class. Students put a fact about rocks and minerals on each one.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

This is Your Rock, This is My Rock

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders review the types of rocks and minerals they see in photographs. Individually, they are shown a sample of rocks or minerals and classify them based on their characteristics. They give their observations to another...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mountain Building

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students work in small groups. They are told that their task is to build a mountain in their dish pan that can withstand the effects of having a watering can emptied out on it. Students use creative extras to complete their mountains,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Modeling the Rock Cycle

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the differences in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. They discuss the rock cycle of the different formations. Students discuss how rock is formed into different shapes. They explore, predict, and create each...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Erosion And the Cycling of Rocks And Minerals

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the concept of erosion by water in a problem solving activity. In small groups, they are assigned either sand, potting soil or rocks to construct a mountain that will hold up to a sprinkler can of water dripping on...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parl Ranger in Training

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students develop a research presentation about rock formations and natural erosion. Using traditional and online resources, students gather and organize information about rock formations. Students use their information to create a brief...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Aerology- The Study of Mars

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate various aspects of the planet Mars. They examine a core sample that is simulated to make observations. Then compare the known sample with one that is unknown and differentiate between the two. Students hypothesize...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Goes On Down Under?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the sources for recharge and discharge of groundwater. They research the connection between surface water and groundwater. Students construct a model of an aquifer and explore recharge and discharge of the aquifer.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Franklin Mountains

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine photographs of the eastern and western Franklin Mountains. As a class, they discuss what is shown and the different colored rocks and the orientation of the layers. In groups, they are given clay of two different...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Franklin Mountains

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers review the steps of the rock cycle. In groups, they identify the natural forces that cause weathering and erosion. They describe how sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks might be formed in nature to end the lesson.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sampling Rocks

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students will collect and analyze a sample of rocks from the schoolyard. They will array the collected rocks by characteristics such as size, weight, and color, to see if any generalizations can be made about the types of rocks that can...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Petrology in the Gravel Pit

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students are introduced to a wide range of rock types when they examine pebbles and boulders exposed in a gravel pit. Students practice rock description and identification and categorize the rocks sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Erosion in an Outdoor Classroom

For Teachers 1st
First graders observe the effects of erosion. They work in groups to simulate erosion in a streambed, participate in class discussion, read books about fossils and rocks and then go on a fossil hunt.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Do You See What I See?

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Pupils hypothesize the role of rocks, soil, and water by observing a terrarium and create a model to explore the water cycle. This is part of a five station set up.