Rocks and Soils — Year 3 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Science — Rocks: compare and group together different kinds of rocks, Year 3
Overview
Pupils investigate the properties of rocks and soils, comparing and grouping rocks based on appearance, hardness, and permeability. They learn how fossils are formed and gain an understanding of how soils are made from weathered rock and organic matter.
Learning Objectives
- Compare and group rocks based on observable properties.
- Describe how fossils are formed over long periods of time.
- Recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter.
- Carry out a fair test to compare the permeability of different rock types.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Pass around rock samples. Pupils observe and record appearance (colour, texture, grain size, whether they can see crystals). Sort into groups based on their observations.
Introduce the three rock types and how each is formed. Explain fossil formation: organism buried in sediment → sediment hardens → minerals replace soft tissue over millions of years. Explain how soil forms from weathered rock mixed with decayed organic matter.
Pupils plan and carry out a permeability test: pour equal amounts of water through different rocks or soils and measure how much passes through in a set time. Record results in a table.
Pupils write a comparative report on two rock samples, using their observations and test results. Draw and label a fossil formation diagram.
Ask: why might a builder choose granite rather than sandstone for a worktop? Pupils apply their knowledge of rock properties.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils sometimes think fossils are bones or animals preserved perfectly — most are impressions or mineral replacements.
- Thinking soil is just dirt — reinforce that soil contains rock particles, minerals, water, air, and organic matter from decomposed plants and animals.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Ability to describe materials by their properties.
- Understanding of what a fair test involves.
- Basic knowledge of Earth's surface features.
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