How geologists work
I can explain that geologists are scientists who use knowledge of rocks and soils to learn about Earth and other planets.
How geologists work
I can explain that geologists are scientists who use knowledge of rocks and soils to learn about Earth and other planets.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geologists study volcanoes, rivers, glaciers, rocks and mountains.
- Geologists can work in places such as space agencies and observe properties of rocks and soils collected from the Moon.
- Geologists have to use data collected from a long distance to make their observations of planets including Mars.
Keywords
Geologist - A geologist is a scientist who studies what Earth and other planets are made from.
Data - Data is information collected during an investigation. It may be numbers, symbols, pictures or text.
Observation - We make observations when we look closely at something and use other senses too.
Moon rock - Moon rock is rock collected from the surface of the Moon.
Space agency - A space agency is an organisation that focuses on space exploration, aeronautics, and space transportation.
Common misconception
Geologists only look at rocks and soils collected on Earth.
Geologists also work with data from space; sometimes this can be physical rock samples from the Moon and other times this is data that has been collected by the Mars Rovers and sent back to Earth for them to analyse from a distance.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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 secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Worksheet
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- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
