Introduction:
Observe several kinds of rocks. Talk about the differences and what the children see. Discuss how the students can identify and compare the properties (vocabulary word) of different rocks through seeing, touching, smelling, hearing and tasting. Students will be cautioned not to taste the rocks, or any science experiment. Vocabulary word - Properties – the characteristics of an object that can
Present the concept, Rocks Can Be Different Sizes.
Materials/Preparation:
laminated worksheet
construction paper
rocks - assorted colors and sizes
worksheet with different sized rocks drawn on it
Activity:
1. Have students describe what their rocks look like and begin “ROCK WORD” list on the flip chart.
2. Use a pre made worksheet (SORTING MAT) and laminate it.
Give students the opportunity to examine the rocks and create their own classification system before directing students to next step. Students will then be asked to put one rock on each circle.
3. The children will arrange the rocks by size, beginning largest to smallest. Students will then be asked to reorganize according to size within their own system.
4 The children then cut apart their worksheet and paste these rocks onto a sheet of construction paper, smallest to largest, to create a concrete representation of what they have observed.
Assessment:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of basic classification by sorting rocks by size; large to small, small to large. Students will then produce a paper likeness of their rock sorting mat.
