Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Science
Rocks and soil

Background Information
In this unit, the children will work scientifically by observing and exploring different rocks and soil. They will look at how they may have changed over time; use a hand lens or microscope for identification and classify rocks according to their characteristics. They will explore different kinds of rocks and soil, including those from the local environment and nationally. They will explore different soil to help identify the similarities and difference between them. They will participate in a range of investigations including what happens when rocks are rubbed together and any changes that occur when they are in water. The children will conduct research and discuss different kinds of living fossils found in rocks. This unit will allow them to develop their geographical skills.

In this unit the children will…
Group different types of rocks based on appearance and simple physical properties.
Describe how rocks and fossils were formed.
Learn about Mary Anning, her life as a fossil hunter and her achievements.
Recognise that soils are made from rock and organic matter.
Set up simple comparative tests.
Make presentations to report on findings from enquiries.
Work scientifically to understand more about rocks and soil.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Compare and group together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
Describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
Recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.
Learn about Mary Anning.
Most children will:
Describe in simple terms how rocks were formed
Carry out tests to answer questions
Observe and compare the changes that take place.
Recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.
Some children will:
Research and discuss the different kinds of living things whose fossils are found in sedimentary rock and explore how fossils are formed.
Learn about Mary Anning, her life as a fossil hunter and her achievements.
Recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.

Key scientists
Mary Anning (21 May 1799 – 9 March 1847)

Key Vocabulary
Names of rocks – Chalk, limestone, granite, basalt, sandstone, flint, slate, shale, marble
Types of rock – Sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous
Properties of rocks – Hard/soft, permeable/impermeable
Processes – Heat, pressure, erosion, transportation, deposition, melt, solidify
Size of rocks – Grain, pebbles
Rock describing words – Crystals, layers