Big Ideas: Geologists study rock cycles to explain how the Earth changes. Rocks are valuable resources. The fossils found in some rocks tell us many important things about life on Earth long ago. Heat and pressure can alter the shapes, sizes and properties of rock.

Project choices- Students have the opportunity to choose a project that complements their intelligence style. Options include: 1.Design a layered sandstone picture. 2.Research famous rock phenomenons such as Mt. Rushmore, Stonehenge, Grand Canyon and Devil’s Tower. Write a short report on your findings or share the information by decorating a poster board. 3. Create a Power Point presentation to share your knowledge of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock.  These projects serve as extensions to the students’ learning.

Second graders are fascinated with rocks. I chose rocks and minerals for my unit plan because my students are inquisitive and they love hands-on activities.

Write friendly letters and design a postcard Build volcanoes and make fossils Excavate dinosaur bones Experiment with different soils Discover layers in food items such as a five layer cookie bar Organize a rock collection Participate in rock investigations and experiments Design conservation posters Investigate how wind and water change the surface of the Earth Make rock discovery booklets