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:
Climate Change Perspectives Lesson
Categories: General Interest, Lesson Plan
Written by Julia Quinn, Don Galbraith Award Recipient 2022, Brock University. The goal of this resource is to integrate research (select, evaluate, analyze and draw conclusions) and literacy... read more
SCH4C LEVELS OF INQUIRY THROUGH CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Categories: Lesson Plan
This lesson plan is separated based on the 4- level model of inquiry, as outlined in "Simplifying Inquiry Instruction" by Randy L. Bell, Lara Smetana, and Ian Binns (link in resources). This lesson... read more
The Sun: Part of a Balanced Breakfast
Categories: Lab/Student Activity
This activity can be used to demonstrate how to use renewable energy from the sun as an alternative to non-renewable energy sources. It also provides an opportunity to reuse materials originally... read more