How geologists work
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the role of geologists and why their work is important.
Key learning points
- Geologists learn about the Earth by observing different rocks and soils.
- Geologists use different methods to study the Earth including fieldwork.
- Geologists help us understand how Earth and other planets formed.
Keywords
Geology - Geology is the science of studying the rocks and soils that Earth and its different landscapes are made from.
Geologist - A geologist scientist who works in the field of geology.
Observation - We make observations when we look closely at something and use other senses too.
Rock hammer - A rock hammer is a tool used to break rocks open.
Common misconception
Geologists only look at rocks and soils collected on Earth.
Geologists also work with data from space.
Teacher tip
Explore other secondary sources, such as library books and the internet, to find out more about the work of modern geologists.
Equipment
Worksheet
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a scientist?
Q2.A geologist is a scientist who studies ...
Q3.Which part of an investigation does a scientist use to find out if they have answered the question they are investigating?
Q4.Order the steps a scientist takes when carrying out an investigation.
Q5.Scientists use data to help them answer questions. Look at the data on this image. Which questions does this data help you to answer?
Q6.Scientists things closely with a hand lens or digital microscope to help them answer questions.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following do geologists study?
Q2.Where might a geologist work?
Q3.What do all the things that geologist study have in common?
Q4.A geologist like Rosaly Lopes, working for a space agency might observe rock that has come from ...
Q5.What was the name of the geologist who travelled to South America on a ship called the HMS Beagle?
Q6.Match the keyword to its definition.
the studying of rocks and soils
a scientist who studies rocks and soils
a tool used to break rocks open
looking closely at something
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: How geologists work, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: How geologists work, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Rocks and soils unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.