Inside rock
I can make detailed observations of different rocks and use key terms to describe features of them.
Inside rock
I can make detailed observations of different rocks and use key terms to describe features of them.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Components of rocks, such as sand, fossils, shells, crystals, help to indicate how those rocks formed and their age.
- Rocks contain grains which can be round or interlocking.
- Some rocks contain crystals that point in many directions while others are aligned.
- Rock types and textures provide insights into geological processes and Earth's history.
Common misconception
Pupils tend to classify rocks by colour, shape or size - not useful for distinguishing rock types.
Encourage pupils to focus on the texture of a rock (the grains and how they are arranged) to classify them and consider uses of those rocks.
Keywords
Grain - Grains are the individual pieces that make up a rock.
Minerals - A mineral is an element or compound with a crystal-like structure. They are the 'building blocks' of rocks.
Textures - The texture of a rock describes the size and shape of its grains. It also describes how the grains are arranged in the rock.
Crystals - A crystal is a solid whose particles have a highly ordered arrangement. They often have a regular shape.
Interlocking - Interlocking describes grains which lock together like a "mosaic". Interlocking grains don't have gaps between them.
Equipment
Rock samples, magnifying glasses.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
individual pieces that make up a rock
elements or compounds with a crystal-like structure
size, shape, and arrangement of particles in a rock
highly ordered, solid particles with a regular shape