LESSON PLAN OUTLINE

JMU Elementary Education Program

Kelsey Mercadante
Mrs. Patterson, T.C. Miller Elementary School, 5th Grade
Date: Tues/Wed. Nov. 10th & 11th Time: 2:05-3:20

A. TITLE OF LESSON: Geology Rocks Lesson 5 Which Rock is Which?

B. CONTEXT OF LESSON
During this lesson, students will experience science centers where they will use dichotomous
keys to identify rocks.
C. UNWRAPPING THE VIRGINIA STANDARDS OF LEARNING
1. Grade Level and Content Area:
Fifth Grade Science
2. Standard and Indicators:
Science: SOL 5.1 - The student will demonstrate an understanding of
scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and
conducting investigations in which
o a) items such as rocks, minerals, and organisms are identified using
various classification keys;
Science: SOL 5.7 - The student will investigate and understand how Earths
surface is constantly changing. Key concepts include:
o a) identification of rock types
Blooms Taxonomy
Levels:
Apply
D. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understand
U1: You can use a
dichotomous key to identify
items in the natural world.

Know
K1: Rocks have properties that
can be observed, tested, and
described. Composition, grain
size and textural features, color,
and the presence of fossils help
with identification.
Classification keys (5.1) can aid
this process.

K3:
Classification/Dichotomous
Key: using characteristics such

Do
D1: Use a dichotomous key
to identify rocks
D2: Identify rock samples
(granite, gneiss, slate,
limestone, shale, sandstone,
and coal), using a rock
classification key.
D3: Match rock examples to
their descriptions. (Day 2)

as composition, grain size,

texture, color and pressure of
fossils, scientists use these
characteristics to identify rocks
by name.

E. ASSESSING LEARNING
I will assess students by observation and participation. On the first day, students will begin to
fill out a data sheet when they go through the rock sample centers. I will collect center data
sheets to see how students did on identifying rocks. On the second day, students will
complete their science center rotations. Students will complete their data sheet. Students will
also complete the Be a Rock Hound activity, which I will collect.
F. MATERIALS NEEDED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Smart Board
4-square sheet
Pencils
Center dichotomous keys (3 sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic) one will be at
centers 1-3
Rock samples (igneous, metamorphic & sedimentary)
Student data sheets (38)
Study jams video/quiz type in address on computer and have it up on the screen
Computers for center 4 (5)
Headphones for computer center
Be a Rock Hound Activity

G. PROCEDURE
Day 1
Prep:

Copy student data sheets and center dichotomous keys

Set up centers: put rock samples, dichotomous keys, and computers at the designated
centers. Set up study jams address on each computer

Engage:
Students will complete science 4-square as they enter the class. Then, go over 4-square.
Activator: Review rock cycle.
Ask: What is a dichotomous key?
o A tool that helps you identify items in the natural world, such as rocks, trees,
mammals, wildflowers, and fish
Implementation:
Show students a sample dichotomous key. Identify a type of rock together as a class, and
show students how they would record their data on their recording sheet that they will use
in centers.

Ask students if they have any questions about the key.

Tell students they will be going through science centers today where they will get to use
dichotomous keys to identify rocks. Explain how in one center, students will need their
headphones to watch a video and take a short quiz on the site that is on the computer.
Students will rotate centers every 8-10 minutes, depending on time.
Tell students where the centers are. Tell students what group they are in and what center
they will start at.
Tell students that they are only going to 2 centers today. They will go to the other 2
centers tomorrow. If students finish the center early, then tell them to discuss the
questions provided at the center with their group.

Closure:
Discuss how each rock type is formed and have students name some examples of the 3
rock groups (Ex. Igneous Granite, Sedimentary Conglomerate, Metamorphic Slate)
Day 2
Prep

Copy Be a Rock Hound activity.

Prepare/set out any materials from centers that they did not get to yesterday.

Implementation
Review concepts taught yesterday
Have students complete the other 2 science rotations/centers that they have not yet
completed. Make sure each group has experienced each of the 4 centers, and completed
their recording sheet. Students will turn in recording sheet from centers.
Have students complete the Be a Rock Hound activity.
Closure:
T-P-S: Have students describe an example rock type to someone in their group.