Ohio Resource Center
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Lessons
Rock Hunters
Discipline
Science
Grades
Prekindergarten, 3, 4
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Professional Commentary

Throughout this lesson students make detailed observations of rocks. Through their observations, students will begin to develop an understanding that there are many types of rocks with a multitude of different attributes. Students will be fascinated with many aspects of rocks, such as how some sparkle; some are dark while others are light; there are smooth ones and bumpy ones. Some may quickly recognize that one rock is shaped like an egg while another one seems sharp enough to cut like a tool. Their curiosity about rocks will fuel their discussions and explorations in class. The student sheet will extend their explorations by encouraging them to consider how they can accurately portray their rocks through a drawing. Students also measure the circumference and weigh their rocks, giving them an opportunity to think about how they can describe their rocks in quantitative terms.

The lesson was written for grades K-2 but scientific inquiry skills developed through this lesson are appropriate for students in grades PK-4. The earth science aspects of the lesson are aligned with Ohio's Model Curriculum for Prekindergarten with modifications and grades 3 and 4 as designed. (author/ts/nm)


Next Generation Science Standards (2012)
Scientific and Engineering Practices
 
Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
 
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
 
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Crosscutting Concepts
 
Structure and function
Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2010)
Science Inquiry and Application
Prekindergarten
Earth and Space Science
Observations of Nature
4. 
Rocks and soil have properties that can help identify them.
Physical Science
Observations of Objects and Materials
1. 
Objects and materials are described by their properties.
Grade 3
Earth and Space Science
Earth’s Resources
1. 
Earth’s nonliving resources have specific properties.
Grade 4
Earth and Space Science
Earth’s Surface
1. 
Earth’s surface has specific characteristics and landforms that can be identified.
2. 
The surface of Earth changes due to weathering.
3. 
The surface of Earth changes due to erosion and deposition.
Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2002)
Earth and Space Sciences
Benchmarks (3–5)
C.
Describe Earth's resources including rocks, soil, water, air, animals and plants and the ways in which they can be conserved.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 3)
1.
Compare distinct properties of rocks (e.g., color, layering, texture).
Scientific Inquiry
Benchmarks (K–2)
B.
Design and conduct a simple investigation to explore a question.
C.
Gather and communicate information from careful observations and simple investigation through a variety of methods.
Benchmarks (3–5)
A.
Use appropriate instruments safely to observe, measure and collect data when conducting a scientific investigation.
B.
Organize and evaluate observations, measurements and other data to formulate inferences and conclusions.
C.
Develop, design and safely conduct scientific investigations and communicate the results.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade Kindergarten)
4.
Use the five senses to make observations about the natural world.
5.
Draw pictures that correctly portray features of the item being described.
7.
Use appropriate tools and simple equipment/instruments to safely gather scientific data (e.g., magnifiers and other appropriate tools).
8.
Measure the lengths of objects using non-standard methods of measurement (e.g., teddy bear counters, pennies).
9.
Make pictographs and use them to describe observations and draw conclusions.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 1)
4.
Work in a small group to complete an investigation and then share findings with others.
6.
Use appropriate tools and simple equipment/instruments to safely gather scientific data (e.g., magnifiers, timers, simple balances and other appropriate tools).
8.
Use oral, written and pictorial representation to communicate work.
9.
Describe things as accurately as possible and compare with the observations of others.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 2)
7.
Use appropriate tools and simple equipment/instruments to safely gather scientific data (e.g., magnifiers, non-breakable thermometers, timers, rulers, balances, calculators and other appropriate tools).
8.
Measure properties of objects using tools such as rulers, balances and thermometers.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 3)
1.
Select the appropriate tools and use relevant safety procedures to measure and record length and weight in metric and English units.
5.
Record and organize observations (e.g., journals, charts, tables).
6.
Communicate scientific findings to others through a variety of methods (e.g., pictures, written, oral and recorded observations).
Technology Standards
Technology and Information Literacy
Benchmarks (K–2)
C.
Apply basic browser and navigation skills to find information from the Internet.
National Science Education Standards
Science as Inquiry
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry (Grades Kindergarten - 4)
Earth and Space Science
Properties of earth materials (Grades Kindergarten - 4)