Igneous Rocks and Minerals - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd focuses on igneous rocks and minerals, aiming to deepen students' understanding of scientific investigation methods and the classification of rocks. Students will engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their ability to observe, classify, and conduct comparative tests. The curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum, building on previous learning about materials from earlier years and linking to topics such as 'Living Things and their Habitats' and 'Properties and Changes of Materials'. The lesson will cover how igneous rocks are formed, their classification based on cooling rates, and their physical characteristics. Students will also correct common misconceptions, such as the belief that rocks do not change over time, and will be introduced to influential geologists like Charles Lyell and Janet Vida Watson.

Practical activities form the core of the lesson, with students using equipment like hand lenses, igneous rock samples, and mineral sets to explore the formation and features of igneous rocks. They will conduct experiments to understand the relationship between cooling rates and crystal size, differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic igneous rocks, and investigate the hardness of minerals using the Mohs scale. Safety is a priority, with guidance provided for handling rock samples and microscope slides. The lesson also includes cross-curricular links to art, history, and geography, encouraging students to create volcano posters, research historical volcanic eruptions, and identify volcanic regions on a global map. The plenary session will assess students' understanding of igneous rock formation, the differences between rock types, and the minerals contained within them.