Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks - Lesson Plan

This lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd is aimed at Year 3 students learning about Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks. It focuses on developing scientific skills such as planning investigations, presenting and analysing data, and evaluating investigations, with guidance provided through a skills document and video. The curriculum objectives include comparing different kinds of rocks based on appearance and physical properties, and describing how sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are formed, with examples and features of each type. Previous learning from earlier years covered identifying and comparing everyday materials, including various kinds of rock, and understanding environmental changes. The lesson also draws links to other subjects, such as creating a cartoon in Art to illustrate the formation of sedimentary rocks and using line graphs in Maths to show the effects of weathering on rocks. Health and safety considerations include handling rock samples carefully and washing hands after touching them.

The lesson includes hands-on activities where students use sedimentary and metamorphic rock samples, rock cards, and other equipment to explore the concepts taught. They will investigate rock formation through research, creating cartoons, and conducting experiments on rock porosity, observing the changes in mass as rocks are immersed in water. Metamorphic rocks are examined with hand lenses to identify similarities, differences, and features such as crystals and banding. An interactive activity simulates the formation of metamorphic rock using chocolate, helping students understand the process of transformation under high pressure and temperature. The lesson concludes with a plenary where students answer questions to assess their understanding and progress. The lesson plan corrects common misconceptions, such as rocks being solid throughout or incapable of change, and introduces influential scientists in the field of geology.