Long-term overview - Rocks and soil - Year 3

The Year 3 science curriculum sets clear objectives for pupils to deepen their understanding of geology, specifically focusing on rocks, fossils, and soil. Students are expected to compare and group various rocks by observing their appearance and simple physical properties, such as texture and hardness. They should also be able to describe the process of fossil formation, explaining how living organisms can become encased in rock over time. Additionally, the curriculum covers the origin of soils, emphasising their composition from both rocks and organic matter.

Substantive knowledge in this area includes the ability to categorise rocks based on their characteristics and to provide reasons for these groupings. Pupils should be familiar with the formation of fossils and soil, and they must be able to articulate the differences between the three main types of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Through research and practical activities, students will explore how these rocks are formed, identify various rock samples, and understand the rarity and value of certain crystals. This unit on rocks and soil is an integral part of the Year 3 science curriculum and builds on any previous learning related to dinosaurs and fossils, providing pupils with a comprehensive foundation in Earth sciences.