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Session 10: Geology Rocks 🪨

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 10 of 17

Students explore geology, identifying rock types and understanding how Earth's processes shaped our world.

Session 10: Geology Rocks

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Identify the three types of rocks

  • Understand how each rock type forms

  • Examine and classify rock samples

  • Connect geology to God's creative work

Session 10: Geology Rocks

Materials Needed

  • 🪨 Rock samples (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic)

  • 🔍 Magnifying glasses

  • đź“‹ Rock classification charts

  • đź““ Engineering journals

  • 📸 Rock cycle diagrams

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Jesus as the Rock — Jesus used the image of rock as a foundation: "On this rock I will build my church."

Scripture

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer." — Psalm 18:2

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you created the solid earth beneath our feet. Thank you for rocks that form the foundation of our world. Help us learn about your ancient creation today. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (6 minutes)

  1. Rocks Are Everywhere:
  2. Mountains, beaches, soil—all rocks!
  3. Buildings, roads, monuments—from rocks!
  4. Three Rock Types:
  5. 🔥 Igneous — From cooled lava/magma (fire-born!)
  6. 🏔️ Sedimentary — Layers pressed together over time
  7. 💎 Metamorphic — Changed by heat and pressure
  8. Rock Cycle:
  9. Rocks constantly change from one type to another
  10. Takes millions of years!
  11. Jesus the Rock:
  12. Foundation—strong, reliable
  13. "On this rock I will build my church"

Main Activity: Rock Exploration (26 minutes)

Part 1: Rock Cycle Learning (6 minutes)

  • Trace the rock cycle:
  • Magma cools → Igneous rock
  • Weather breaks it down → Sediment
  • Layers press together → Sedimentary rock
  • Heat and pressure → Metamorphic rock

  • Melts → Back to magma

  • "This cycle has been going for billions of years!"

Part 2: Rock Identification Lab (12 minutes)

Examine Rock Samples: Use magnifying glasses to observe:

Igneous Rocks (granite, obsidian, pumice):

  • Look for crystals

  • Pumice floats (gas bubbles)!

  • Obsidian is glassy

Sedimentary Rocks (sandstone, limestone, shale):

  • Look for layers

  • May see fossils!

  • Often grainy texture

Metamorphic Rocks (marble, slate, quartzite):

  • Look for bands/stripes

  • Often very hard

  • Changed from other rocks

Classification Practice:

  • Sort unknown samples

  • Use classification chart

  • Record observations

Part 3: Rock Uses Discussion (6 minutes)

  • How do we use each type?
  • Granite: Countertops, monuments
  • Limestone: Buildings, cement

  • Marble: Statues, floors

  • Local rocks: What's in Minnesota?

Part 4: Wrap-Up (2 minutes)

  • Review three types

  • "Rocks tell Earth's story!"

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw and label the rock cycle
  2. Draw one rock of each type
  3. Write: "I can identify rocks by looking for..."
  4. Write: "Jesus as 'the rock' means..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Favorite Discovery — "What surprised you about rocks?"
  2. Ancient Creation — "Rocks remind us of God's ancient work!"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God, you are our rock and foundation. Thank you for creating Earth's solid foundation. Help us build our lives on you. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Named three rock types

  • Explained rock formation

  • Classified rock samples

  • Connected to faith theme

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Focus on one rock type

  • Pre-labeled samples for matching

  • Partner work

For Advanced Students

  • Research specific rock types

  • Create rock collection guide

  • Study local geology

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Go rock hunting in your yard or on a walk! Try to identify rock types. Research Minnesota geology. Visit a natural history museum. Start a rock collection!

Teacher Notes

  • Rock samples available from science supply or local collection

  • Consider rock exchange with students

  • Connect to Minnesota geology (Lake Superior agates!)

  • Great for outdoor education connections

Previous: Session 9 — Faith & Science
Next: Session 11 — Lenten Service