Exploring Rocks

Grade Level: 5th Grade

Objectives

Given four examples of rocks, students will be able to correctly

classify the rocks by their type with 100% accuracy.
Given an iPad, students will be able to open the QR Scanner app and
illustrate how to use the app with no errors.

Standard

ES.5.3 Compare and contrast the properties

of rocks and minerals. Explain the uses of
rocks and minerals, particularly those
found in Indiana, in daily life.
ES.5.4 Illustrate the various processes
involved in the rock cycle and discuss
the conservation of matter during
formation, weathering, sedimentation and
reformation.

Materials

Smart device (in this case an iPad)

Copies of rock type list
access to EAPS outdoor Rock Display

Procedure

1. Students meet in RHPH G50.

2. Play Rock Cycle & Rock Types introduction video.
a. Discuss the three types of rocks and lead in discussion:
What are the three rock types? (Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary)
How are they formed?
1. Igneous
2. Sedimentary
3. Metamorphic
Can you identify any differences in the rock formations and their
texture?
3. Display the photos of the rocks as shown on the introduction video
and ask students to categorize the rock and how they were able to
identify it.
4. Divide students into groups of 3 and instruct them to take out their
iPads.
5. Ask that students follow along with the instruction demonstration video
on how to use QR codes.
6. Play demonstration video.
7. Display one QR code on the screen and asked students to scan it to
verify that their device is functioning correctly and that they can use
the QR code application.
8. Give students the rock type list paper.
a. List contains:
Name of Rock
Space to write the method they used to identify the rocks. (color,

texture, etc.)
9. Instruct students to follow the procedure demonstrated in step 4 (the
demonstration video)
10. Allow students time to explore. During this time mentors should be
there to help when students get confused.
11. Once the students are finished, instruct the students to go back inside
to RHPH G50.
12. Play wrap up video.
Assessment

The assessment should be divided up into 2 groups

1. Participation
Did they work well with their group? Did they help their group?
Did they participate in the class discussions?
2. Understanding
How well did they identify the rock types?
Was their explanation of the petrified wood clear?
Did they show a clear understanding of the lesson?

Exploring Rocks
At Purdues Educational Rock Display

Types of Rocks:
Sedimentary Rocks are rocks that are formed from minerals and organic matter.
These rocks may contain fossils, have layers, have grains that you can see, or are
dusty.
Igneous Rocks are formed from cooled lava. These rocks may contain crystals, air
bubbles, or have a glassy surface. They are also hard and dense.
Metamorphic Rocks are rocks that have been changed by a high amount of heat and
pressure. These rocks will have many layers and different mineral grains throughout
the rock.

What type of rocks are these?

C3 __________________

A3 __________________
D2 __________________
B1 __________________

Is petrified wood a rock?

Once your group answers the above question, go to D3. Scan the QR Code, and
then answer the following question: is petrified wood a rock? If so, what type of
rock is it?
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