Rock Lesson Plan

This lesson plans describes metamorphic rock as well as a hands on activity for learning about this specific rock.

Subject: Science
Grade: 6
Concept: Metamorphic Rocks

Standards:
• E.8.4 Using the science themes, analyze the influence living organisms have had on the earth's systems, including their impact on the composition of the atmosphere and the weathering of rocks
• E.8.2 Describe underlying structures of the earth that cause changes in the earth's surface
Materials:
• Examples of different types of metamorphic rock
• Note cards
• Chalk
• Grocery bag and food: apples, bananas, crackers, eggs, bread, little Debbie snacks
• Modeling clay
Objectives:
• Students will make a model of how a metamorphic rock would form.
• Students will list the difference between foliated and non foliated metamorphic rock.
• Students will summarize the process of metamorphic rock formation.

Motivation Set:
• Hand out an object/food to each member of the class. Objects will include (but not limited to); apples, bananas, crackers, eggs, bread, twinkies.
• Set an empty grocery bag at the front of the room. The students will be asked one at a time to come to the front to put their object in the bag. Soft and hard objects should be alternated.
• After everyone has had a chance to put their object in the bad, take the objects out and set them in front of the bag. Ask the students about the change in shape/structure of each of the elements in the bag.
• The connection will be made between the ways the objects in the bag formed to how metamorphic rock is formed.

Body of the Lesson:
• The teacher will do a small lecture on the formation of metamorphic rock. The teacher will describe the earth's influence on how metamorphic rock is formed.
o Pressure
o Heat
o Fracture
o Banding
• Examples of foliated and non foliated rocks will be shown in class and passed around.
o Foliated rock forms; pressure/heat
o Non-foliated rocks; fracture into pieces.
• Ask the students to discuss the differences between the two types of metamorphic rock. The rocks will be placed on the table in the front according to the category they belong to.
• The characteristics of each type of rock will be written in list form on the board. Comprehension questions will be asked frequently of individual students in the class.
• Pass out modeling clay. Each student will make their own rock, but must fall under the characteristics described for foliated and non foliated rock. (For example the students could imitate slate, marble or quartz)
• When the students are finished making their rocks they will be set aside on a table in the back of the room to harden.

Concluding Set
• The students should be given a note card. On the note card the student will give their rock a name. Under the name of the rock, the student will then need to classify their rock:
• The student will identify whether the rock is foliated or non foliated
• The student will list the characteristics of the rock
• The student will describe how the rock formed

Homework Assignment/Extension Activity:
• Students will be asked to write a small paragraph, and draw a diagram of how metamorphic rocks change.

Asessment of Student Learning:
• The students will:
o Make a model in class of a metamorphic rock
o List the differences between foliated and non foliated rocks on the board as a large group
o Bring in a small essay and drawing of how metamorphic rocks form.

Accomodations for Special Needs Students:
• Rocks are passed around for those students who might be visually disabled, they will be able to feel the characteristics of the rocks.
• Students with physical disabilities will be paired up with other students in the class to make their model metamorphic rock.
• Remedial students will have opportunities to ask questions as much of the lesson will be large group, with very little reading/math.
• Gifted students will be asked to find rocks in their neighborhood or on the internet and classify them. They should share their rock classification with the rest of the class.