Rocks, Minerals and soil
The Outcomes we covered in this unit are :
3-5 Demonstrate knowledge of materials that comprise Earth's crust, and demonstrate skill in classifying these materials.
We can :
1. Compare samples of various kinds of rock, and identify similarities and differences.2. Given a description of the properties of a particular rock or mineral, identify a sample rock or mineral that matches those properties. Properties that students should be able to describe and interpret include: colour
4. Recognize that rocks are composed of a variety of materials.
5. Recognize and describe the various components within a sample of soil; e.g., clay, sand, pebbles, decaying plants; and describe differences between two different soil samples.
6. Describe ways in which rocks break down to become soil.
7. Describe some common uses of rocks and minerals; and identify examples of those uses within the school, home or local community.
3-5 Demonstrate knowledge of materials that comprise Earth's crust, and demonstrate skill in classifying these materials.
We can :
1. Compare samples of various kinds of rock, and identify similarities and differences.2. Given a description of the properties of a particular rock or mineral, identify a sample rock or mineral that matches those properties. Properties that students should be able to describe and interpret include: colour
- lustre or "shininess"; e.g., shiny, dull, glassy, metallic, earthy
- texture; e.g., rough, smooth, uneven
- hardness, based on scratch tests with available materials
- presence of carbonates. Note that the presence of carbonates can be tested with vinegar or another mild acid
- crystal shape for minerals, or overall pattern of rocks.
4. Recognize that rocks are composed of a variety of materials.
5. Recognize and describe the various components within a sample of soil; e.g., clay, sand, pebbles, decaying plants; and describe differences between two different soil samples.
6. Describe ways in which rocks break down to become soil.
7. Describe some common uses of rocks and minerals; and identify examples of those uses within the school, home or local community.
Web quest : CLICK HERE
Learning about rocks, minerals and soil was fun! here are some activities we did!
rock types and rock cycle
|
Step 1 : One Starburst
represents our Igneous rocks. They are made from Lava that has cooled down.
Step 2: Use a second Starburst ( of different color) to represent all the sediment that pile on top of each other. Over time and pressure the layers get squished together and bind to create a Sedimentary rock. Step 3: Squish the two Starburst together (gently and only for a few seconds). This way you can see how when you apply pressure the rocks can be joined - thus making one rock ( the Sedimentary rock). Step 4: Use a lot of pressure and push down on the rocks. Hold them in your hands for a few minutes (heat), then continue pressing down. Step 5: Remove the rock and observe the changes. You have now made a Metamorphic rock. Step 6: Enjoy your "rock" ! :) Try it at home with different candy, or more Starburst. Just don’t eat real rocks please! |
Exploring soil composition
We are learning about soil compositions and how geologists
study soil. So, on this cold October day, it was time for us to become
geologists and go out to find our soil sample. It has snowed the day before, so
it was hard to find a spot to dig. We didn’t give up! We braved the cold and
went on exploring. We found one spot where we could get a sample and that
everyone had a chance to collect a sample. We studied our samples and used
magnifying glasses to get a better look. We found little rock pieces, seeds,
grass and a mystery hair sample. Some students hypothesized that it could be
from a fox and some guessed it could be from a deer. Considering the composition
of the samples, our hypothesis was that our sample is of clay. We worked on
finding evidence to support our hypothesis and concluded that it is clay.
Grade 3 earned their first Junior Geologist Badge ! Congrats !
Grade 3 earned their first Junior Geologist Badge ! Congrats !
All about soil
We
created a tool that will help us see (visualize) the different types of soil,
and major soil layers..... and it is DELICIOUS!
That’s right - delicious! We present to you - Grade 3 Dirt Dessert! All you need is - chocolate pudding, Oreo cookies, marshmallows and gummy worms. We used the ingredients to better visualize the different types of soil - sand, silt and clay. After, we layered the ingredients just right, to show the major soil layers - bedrock, weathered rock, subsoil, topsoil. Voila! Try this at home, and don't forget to teach your parents all about soil!
That’s right - delicious! We present to you - Grade 3 Dirt Dessert! All you need is - chocolate pudding, Oreo cookies, marshmallows and gummy worms. We used the ingredients to better visualize the different types of soil - sand, silt and clay. After, we layered the ingredients just right, to show the major soil layers - bedrock, weathered rock, subsoil, topsoil. Voila! Try this at home, and don't forget to teach your parents all about soil!