1. Unit 3D: Rocks and Soils
Rocks and Soils T
Unit 3D: Rocks and Soils

2. V The names of different rocks Unit 3D: Rocks and Soils
Some useful words
Slate –
Marble –
Chalk –
Granite –
Sand –
Clay –
Texture – how the surface of a rock would feel
Absorbent – a rock that will soak up water
The names of different rocks V
Unit 3D: Rocks and Soils

3. Unit 3D: Uses of Rocks: L.O. 1: N.C.

4. Unit 3D: Grouping Rocks: L.O. 2, 3: N.C.
For each of the rocks available make as many observations as you can. Record the details in a table
Rock type
Size of particles
Shape of particles
Colours on the rock
Texture of the rock A
Unit 3D: Grouping Rocks: L.O. 2, 3: N.C.

5. Unit 3D: Testing Rocks: L.O. 4: N.C.
We can test rocks to compare them
1) Rubbing test – we can rub 2 rocks together to see how easily they are worn away.
Take 2 rocks of the same type and rub them together. Collect and examine any particles that are formed.
Rank your rocks in order of ease of wearing away.
Which rock is the hardest?
2) Permeability – absorption test. Drop small amounts of water onto each rock to see if any is soaked up.
You will only need very small amounts of water, note how quickly the water is soaked up by each rock. A
Unit 3D: Testing Rocks: L.O. 4: N.C.

6. Unit 3D: Different Rocks different uses
Granite
Marble
Slate
doesn’t wear away
is attractive
weather-proof D
Unit 3D: Different Rocks different uses: L.O. 5: N.C.

7. Unit 3D: Where are all the rocks?
Unit 3D: Where are all the rocks? L.O. 6: N.C.

8. Unit 3D: Observing Soils
Use the equipment provided to separate the soil particles, write down any observations you can about each soil sample
Soil type
Size of particles
Shape of particles
Colours on the rock
Texture of the rock A
Unit 3D: Observing Soils: L.O. 8, 9: N.C.

9. Unit 3D: Water flowing through soil
Why do puddles stay in some places longer than others? D
Unit 3D: Water flowing through soil: L.O. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: N.C.

10. Unit 3D: Different Rocks, different soil
Chalk
Clay D
Unit 3D: Different Rocks, different soil: L.O. 7: N.C.

11. Unit 3D: Water flowing through soil
…cont
You are to investigate the relationship between type of soil and how easily water flows through the soil.
What will you measure?
How much water will you use?
How will you keep the test fair?
Record your results and put the soils in order I
Unit 3D: Water flowing through soil: L.O. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: N.C.

12. Unit 3D: Rocks and Soils: Summary
Unit 3D: Summary
Building
Variety of uses
Etc.
Rub
Test
Rocks
Particles
Absorbency
(permeability)
Group according to characteristics
Colour
Texture
Rocks and soils
Hard
Granite for steps
Chosen for characteristics
Soil
Depend on rock
Slate for roofs
Not permeable
Marble for statues
Sieved
Water flows easily through some soils
Looks good S
Unit 3D: Rocks and Soils: Summary