Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in Earth.

Suitability is the fact of being acceptable or right for something or someone.

The appearance of an object is the way something looks.

Physical properties are features which can be observed from the way something looks, feels or can be measured.

Everyday uses of rocks

Science

In this Rocks and soil unit, pupils learn to describe in simple terms how fossils are formed. In the Evolution and inheritance unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise that things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.

In the Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and compare the suitability of materials, including rock. In this Rocks and soils unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties.

This unit covers comparing and grouping rocks based on appearance and physical properties, understanding fossil formation, and recognising that soils are made from rocks and organic matter. It involves setting up practical enquiries, making observations, and using evidence to answer questions.

Rocks and soils

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Since when have people been using rocks to make useful things?

We choose certain rocks for specific uses because of their ...

Which of these everyday objects would rock be suitable for? 

Which of these physical properties would make a rock suitable to build Stonehenge?

Match the objects that Stone Age people used to the rocks they may have been made from.

a gymnast rubbing their hands in a powder to increase their grip

Which of these actions does rock play a part in?

Rock is a natural material found in the Earth's ...

Match the object to the materials it is made from.

Which physical property did Friedrich Mohs create a scale to measure? 

Rocks have different physical properties which we can {{}} and measure. 

Look at the image of the chalk in water. What do the results tell you about the rock? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet