Module 3 Blog

The process skills involved in third grade science lessons include:
Observing
Comparing
Classifying
Inferring
Predicting
Quantifying
Communicating
Manipulative Skills

Grade: 3

Topic:  Types of rocks
Essential Question: How are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks formed? Inferring

Students will: create presentations showing how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are formed.

Standards:

S3E1. Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils.

d. Determine how water and wind can change rocks and soil over time using observation and research.

ELACC3RI3: Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.

ELACC3W8: Recall information from experience or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.

Hook: Show the types of rocks mini video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EIOHKxvKBo&feature=plcp)

Observing- watching the video

 Lesson:

Have students create a KWL chart. They will fill in what they already know and what they want to know. Predicting

gneous rock forms when melted rock from deep below Earth’s surface cools and hardens. As the rock cools, minerals form crystals. These crystals produce the grains in the rock. Some igneous rocks form when volcanoes erupt. The rock cools very quickly causing very small crystals or none at all.

            Melt chocolate and pour onto wax paper. Observing the melted chocolate. This is how igneous rocks form; the rock is the chocolate that is hot, and as it cools, it becomes a rock.

          Sedimentary rock forms when sand, particles of rock, bits of soil, and remains of once-living things are pressed together and harden. These materials are called sediment. Layers of sediment are deposited on top of one another. Over time, these layers harden and become rock.

         Put icing between two graham crackers. Push together. Observing. This is an example of a sedimentary rock.

           Metamorphic rock forms when existing rocks are changed by extreme heat and pressure. Crystals and minerals in existing rocks change and grains flatten forming new rocks.

           Unwrap 3 Starburst. Stack candy together and apply heat and pressure with hands to allow flavors to mold together. Observing.

            All of these rocks forming are part of the rock cycle-a continuous series of changes that rocks undergo.

Check for understanding before going on.  
 

            How do sedimentary rocks form?

            How do igneous rocks form?

            How do metamorphic rocks form? Inferring

            Compare the ways in which sedimentary rock and metamorphic rock form.

 

    Comparing

Communicating- involved in each question

Group Work:

 (Students are grouped based on the latest reading checkpoint assessment: below/extra support, on, advanced)

Students will work with their groups to create a presentation to show the class about how their rock is formed. Communicating

Group 1: (advanced)

            Students will research websites to create a PowerPoint presentation on how igneous rocks are formed. Manipulative skills

http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/types.html

http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/create/

http://www.rocksandminerals4u.com/igneous_rocks.html

 Group 2: (on)

            Students will their textbook and other content books to create a diagram of how metamorphic rocks are formed. They will use construction paper and other art materials to create their diagram.

Manipulative skills

 

What Are Metamorphic Rocks? Let's Rock!, Molly Aloian

Metamorphic Rock, Rebecca Faulkner

Group 3: (below/extra support)

            Students will watch the Brain Pop video (types of rocks) and use their textbook to draw a diagram of how sedimentary rocks are formed. Manipulating skills

Closure:
Altered lesson: Students will use a rock collection to classify various rocks into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

            Each group will present their presentations to the class. After completion, students will finish the L section of their KWL chart by adding at least 5 things they learned during the lesson.