Rock Classification
AUTHOR: Jerome D. Lensing Edward White Elementary School Eldridge, Iowa
MAJOR OBJECTIVES:
- To classify rocks into eight attributes -- color, shape, weight, sheen, hardness,
layers, texture, pattern
- To use a database to enter and sort information
GRADE LEVELS: 4-6
MATERIALS CHECKLIST:
- One or multiple computers; printer
- Software: database
- 10-20 different types of rocks; 2-3 gram scales; 6 nails; 6 streak plates
- Teacher-developed chart and rocks worksheets
TIME REQUIRED: 5-6 class periods
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
- Have the students use the chart worksheet to complete the attribute tests on each of the
rocks, using only one word to describe each category. Explain the importance of correct
spelling to later sorting of the database.
- (1) color;
- (2) shape: odd, square, irregular, flat;
- (3) weight: light, medium, heavy;
- (4) sheen: shiny, dull;
- (5) hardness: soft, medium, hard;
- (6) layers: no, yes;
- (7) texture: smooth, rough;
- (8) pattern: spotted, crystals, striped, wavy; and
- (9) streaks: color when marked on streak plate
- After the database has been compiled for the class (merged if necessary from several
files), have the students search the database to answer the questions on the rocks
worksheet. Questions might include naming all of the rocks that are classified as soft,
have an irregular shape, or are heavy and speckled.
FOLLOW-UP/EXTENSION: Have the students design their own ways to sort rocks.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: This lesson could be adapted to other subjects, such as Social
Studies, by setting up and sorting a database of facts on states or countries.
|
