Rocks

YankeeDoodle7 · **Rocks** 11-07-2009, 10:43 AM

Any suggestions for teaching rocks and soil?

mooba1 · 11-07-2009, 12:40 PM

Are you doing a rocks and minerals unit? I have some things for that, but not for soil.

jhwkr · 11-07-2009, 01:32 PM

My district uses FOSS kit for this unit - my kids love the mock rock activity. I found this site that has pretty much the same thing: http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=9845

Here is another great site: http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jmres...cks/links.html

Do you have access to United Streaming? They have some great videos that go with this unit.

I have my kids research their birthstones for this unit. Once they learn about identifying characteristics of rocks, then I let them bring some in to 'test' and investigate.

1956BD · **Literature Connections?** 11-07-2009, 04:00 PM

Read Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor to kick off your unit of study. Then go on a rock hunt in the school yard with your students. When you return to the classroom have students write a paragraph giving at least three reasons why they chose their rock.

Also read Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst.

Also try The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole.

ashleigh_60 · **soil** 11-07-2009, 07:01 PM

There are lots of picture books about soil. I like to give everyone a sample of potting soil, sand, and clay. I have them look at the samples through a magnifying glass to see which one has the smallest and largest particles. We also put the different soils in a strainer and then pour water in it to see which sample holds water and what sample allows water to pass easily through.

teach2read10 · **Birthstones** 11-08-2009, 09:55 AM

I think the birthstones idea is a great one. It takes a lesson and makes it personal.

YankeeDoodle7 · 11-09-2009, 03:16 AM

Thank you for all the responses! Yes, the unit is on rocks and minerals, but soil is included in the unit. I too love the idea with the birthstones. I've never taught this before and I want to make it as interesting as possible.

mcwade3rd · 07:56 AM

I started my unit by showing the video Rock Odyssey. It is excellent and the kids love it. Another book - Rocks In My Head. I also had my kids do a report on their birthstone. It was really fun

twinmom+1 · **great!** 11-09-2009, 07:17 PM

This is the first time I am teaching rocks and minerals and then soil.. good ideas!!!!
Do you have more specific information on the birthstone research or kid friendly sites for that?? That sounds really cool and the kids would enjoy!
I am going to use the magic school bus chapter book Rocky Road Trip (the title might be a lil different, i am thinking off the top of my head).

Thanks for sharing!