Link it! Prior knowledge - Rocks and soil - Year 3

The 'Link It!' section of a Year 3 lesson plan invites students to tap into their prior knowledge about rocks and soil, a fundamental part of their science curriculum. It's designed to encourage children to make connections within the subject of geology, relate it to other subjects, and draw from their own personal experiences. The main focus is to explore the various types of rocks that make up our Earth. The lesson acknowledges that all pupils will likely have noticed different types of rocks in their environment and may have come across the term 'fossil' before. Additionally, it is assumed that most pupils will have had tactile experiences with soil, such as playing in mud kitchens during their early years in school (EYFS).

Teachers are encouraged to use this opportunity to discuss and explore these prior experiences with their students. This could involve a hands-on exploration or a discussion about the different rocks they have seen or heard about. Through this interactive approach, children are prompted to reflect and record what they already know about rocks and soil in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser. This activity not only activates students' existing knowledge but also sets the stage for new learning, making the upcoming lessons on rocks and soil more relatable and understandable.