Resource created by National Coal Mining Museum
This learning story investigates various types of rock and their properties, as well as the formation of fossils.
The Rock Cycle
Curriculum Links
- KS2 Science: Rocks
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KS3 Science: Chemistry | The Rock Cycle
Learning Objectives
- Knowledge of different types of rock, including igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
- Understanding of how rocks and fossils are formed
- Skills to interpret different properties rocks possess and what their potential uses might be
Discussion Ideas
- What properties would be most important if you were choosing material to build:
- A roof in a cold climate?
- A lighthouse?
- A busy road?
- A tiled floor in your home?
Activity Ideas
- KS2-3 - 3D model exploration: Students can explore how weird and wonderful Septarian Nodule rocks are formed using this annotated 3D model.
- KS2-3 - Describing rocks: The 'Describing Rocks' worksheet includes images of common rocks (granite, sandstone, slate, limestone, coal) and asks pupils to describe their qualities (eg. colour, texture, shape and size of particle)
- KS2-3 - Identifying rocks: Give students several rocks or images of rocks and ask them to examine their properties, then use the 'What Rock?' quiz sheet to identify them.
- KS2 - Coal Formation: Use the images of fossils and the 'How Coal is Formed' worksheet to explain to pupils that fossils are made from coal, which is even older than dinosaurs!
- KS2 - Make your own fossils: Gather leaves or foliage from the school garden or field, then push them into clay or playdough. As it hardens, pupils can see the imprint left by the leaf.
- KS2 - Soil investigation: Gather soil and put it in a clear plastic container such as a large glass jar, add water and mix gently. After a few hours the soil should begin to separate into different layers. Students can record their findings using the soil sediment worksheet.
- KS2 - Create a Branching Database: A whole class activity creating a branching database based on fossil creatures, helping pupils to recognise defining characteristics of the various creatures and group them accordingly (see 'Documents' in 'Resources').