Rocks and minerals are of great importance in the history of our Earth, although it unfortunately remains a concept that lacks lustre and enthusiasm for elementary students. Most students are able to comprehend the differences between rocks and minerals and how formations occur over time, however, the tangible relationships students can gain by interacting with various types of rocks and minerals and causation by rocks and minerals remains detached.
The following activities will span across approximately eight fifty-minute science periods each, allowing students to learn about rocks and minerals, causes and effects of mining and erosion and their societal and environmental implications, as well as the use and disposal of rocks and minerals through hands-on experiences and self-guided discovery. The purpose is for the learning to be student-directed through the setup of the materials and stations.
Related Resources:
TAKE HOME SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR GRADES 1 - 6
Categories: Lab/Student Activity
For Part 3 of my science AQ, I created (with a partner) a set of take home projects for grades 1-6 for each strand in the science curriculum. These are meant for students to do with their families.... read more
MAKING ICE CREAM INQUIRY (SNC1P)
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Lesson Plan
In this inquiry, students will be shown how to make ice cream. They will, using scaffolded handouts from Smarter Science Canada, select one variable to modify to increase the amount of heat transfer... read more
Season Wars
Categories: Lab/Student Activity
The students and teacher will go for walks around the community in different months looking at how habitats change in each season and the response of the animals that live there. Discussions will... read more