Science - 4th Grade
Lesson Plans

Standard 3

Students will understand the basic properties of rocks, the processes involved in the formation of soils, and the needs of plants provided by soil.

Objective 1

Identify basic properties of minerals and rocks.

• Classifying Rocks and Minerals
  Students identify rock types by observing key characteristics.
• Mineral Magic
  After finding the similarities and differences of school supplies and pasta, students will classify rocks and minerals according to their characteristics.
• Minerals and Rocks
  Students explore the differences between minerals and rocks. They sort and identify 9 minerals based on their characteristics. After learning the differences between sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks; students classify 12 common rocks found in Utah. Students learn uses for these common rocks and look at pictures of their formations found in Utah. Finally, students learn about the rock cycle and understand how rocks can change over time.
• NHMU: Rock Cycle
  Through playing the Rock Cycle Game students will gain an understanding of the cycles that form metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks.
• Rock Discovery
  Students will identify rocks in this discovery lesson by examining rock characteristics and processes.
• TRB 4:3 - Investigation 1 - Minerals vs. Rocks
  This activity will help students understand the basic properties of rocks and minerals.
• TRB 4:3 - Investigation 2 - Classifying Rocks
  Students will identify basic properties of minerals and rocks.

---

http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Jennifer  Throndsen and see the Science - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.