K5 Science Endorsement GPS Lesson Plan

STEM LESSON

Title ROCKS & SOIL

Teacher(s) Purity Kamau
E-mail Purity.kamau@cobbk12.org
School Brumby Elementary
Lesson Title Geology Rocks!
Grade Level Kindergarten Concepts(s) Physical Attributes of Rocks
Targeted
Performance Expectation
Use senses to observe and group rocks by physical attributes such as large/small, heavy/light,
smooth/rough.
Use ordinary hand tools look at and measure the weight of rocks.
Directly compare two or more rocks in terms of mass, size, texture and color.
Make a replica of a rock.

Science & Engineering Disciplinary Core Ideas Crosscutting Concept

Practice
Asking questions and defining
a problem
Planning and carrying out
investigations
Developing and using models. MCC.K.MD.1Describe
Construct an argument
supported by evidence
(Content)
SKE2. Obtain, evaluate, and Scale, Proportion, and
communicate information to Quantity:
describe the physical Relative scales allow objects
attributes of earth material ( and events to be compared
rocks). and described (e.g., bigger
and smaller; hotter and
colder; faster and slower).
measurable attributes of
objects, such as length or
weight. Describe several
measurable attributes of a
single object.

MCC.K.MD.2Directly compare
two objects with a
measureable attribute in
common, to see which object
has “more of/less of” the
attribute, and describe the
difference.
Georgia Performance Standards

SKE2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe the physical attributes of
earth materials (soil, rocks, water, and air).

a. Ask questions to identify and describe earth materials—soil, rocks, water, and air.
b. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how rocks can be grouped by physical
attributes (size, weight, texture, color).
c. Use tools to observe and record physical attributes of soil such as texture and color.

MCC.K.MD.1Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe

several measurable attributes of a single object.

MCC.K.MD.2Directly compare two objects with a measureable attribute in common, to see

which object has “more of/less of” the attribute, and describe the difference.

Safety Considerations-Do not put the any of the materials provided in your in your mouth, ear or
nose.
The Learning Plan
Title of the Lesson: Geology Rocks!
Lesson Logistics: During engage phase, students will be in one group then work in groups of 3
during exploration. They then gather around one station during closing to compare findings.
The conclusion will be made when they are gathered at the carpet as a whole class.

Materials: -Model magic, play dough, paper, colored pencils, sand, glue, tissue paper, felt,
foam, vinegar, eye dropper, magnet, tub of water, penny, balance, unifix cubes, magnifying
glass, ziploc bag.

Essential Question
How can we use your senses to sort things from the earth?
How can I describe objects?

Opening/Engage
Tell students about the rock research booklet
Student watch the story, ‘If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian’ online

Explore/Explain-Day 1
Discuss describing words for rocks, preview what will be done in the Rock Research Booklet
Issue Rock Research work sheets and send them off to their stations

Closing

Gather students and discuss the findings of each team. Arrange the rocks from the heaviest to
the lightest, magnetic and non magnetic, smooth and rough.
Challenge: Day 2
Engage
Watchhttps://jr.brainpop.com/science/land/rocksandminerals/
Discuss challenge and what materials the students will be able to use.
Geology Team-You have investigated the characteristics of rocks with various experiments.
Now I challenge your team to make an exact copy of your rock using various materials-such as
model magic, play dough, paper, colored pencils, crayons, sand, glue, tissue paper, foam. Be
sure to pay close attention to detail-especially size, shape, color and texture.
1. Imagine/Brainstorm
Have students work in their student journal-imagine what materials to use to design a replica
of their rock and how to place materials so that their rock will look similar.

2. Plan/Design
 Present ideas to team
 Team will decide on materials to use
 In student journal, draw design and materials list
 Get materials needed to be put in Ziploc bag
 Measure rock for correct size and weight

3. Create / Test
 Work on building your rock replica let dry overnight

4. Evaluate/Improve
 Is it the same size? Color? Texture? Shape?
 Display rocks together for other groups to see different design techniques. Have
students put the rocks in weight order when they are displayed, lightest to heaviest.
 Finish Student Journal- 4. Create/Test and 5. Evaluate /Improve
Extension:
Technology- A representative of each group makes a short report comparing the real rock and
the replica on chatter kid.

Closing

Recap on the observable attributes of rocks.

Resources
 Using Rocks (Exploring Earth’s Resources) by Sharon Katz Cooper.
 https://jr.brainpop.com/science/land/rocksandminerals/
 Peggy Christian, If You Find a Rock