Exploring Rocks

Grade Level: 5th Grade

Subject

Science/Earth and Space Science I

Overview/
Concept

Students will view three videos: The Rock Cycle and Rock
Types
Students will learn how to use a QR application by watching
How to use QR Code.
Students will learn about the ways in which rocks are used in
Indiana by watching the Rocks in Everyday Life video.
Students will receive a list of rocks found in the EAPS Rock
Display. They will use their iPads to explore the QR code next to the
rock, and then will answer what type of rock it is. Once they answer the
list of 4 rocks correctly, they will move on to the final question that asks
them whether or not petrified wood is a rock.

Objectives

Given four examples of rocks, students will be able to correctly

classify the rocks by type with 100% accuracy.
Given an iPad, students will be able to open the QR Scanner
app and illustrate how to use the app with no errors.
Presented with a video of the The Rock Cycle and the three
rock types, students will be able to use the presented material to
identify and categorize a list of rocks found at Purdue University.

Standards

Materials

Procedure

ES.5.3 Compare and contrast the properties of rocks and minerals. Explain
the uses of rocks and minerals, particularly those found in Indiana, in daily life.
ES.5.4 Illustrate the various processes involved in the rock cycle and discuss
the conservation of matter during formation, weathering, sedimentation and
reformation.

Smart device (in this case an iPad)

Copies of rock type list
Access to EAPS outdoor Rock Display
Computer with Internet Access
Speakers
Projector or E-Board
Pencils
Lesson Website

1. Students meet in RHPH G50.

2. Play Rock Cycle & Rock Types introduction video
a. Introduction
i.
Igneous Rocks
ii.
Sedimentary Rocks
iii.
Metamorphic Rocks
iv.
Comparison and review
3. Divide students into groups of 3 and instruct them to take out
their iPads.

4. Ask that students follow along with the instruction demonstration

video on how to use QR codes.
5. Play How to use a QR Code demonstration video.
a. Demonstration
i.
How to use a QR Scanner
ii.
How to read the pedestal
iii.
How to complete the activity
6. Discuss the three types of rocks and lead in discussion. Spend
around 5 minutes discussing these topics:
a. What are the three rock types? (Igneous,
Metamorphic, Sedimentary)
b. How are they formed?
i.
Igneous
ii.
Sedimentary
iii.
Metamorphic
c. Can you identify any differences in the rock
formations and their texture?
7. Display one QR code on the screen and asked students to scan
it to verify that their device is functioning correctly and that they can use
the QR code application.
8. Give students the activity paper
Paper includes:
Name of rocks
4 rocks they must identify, as well as space to answer how they knew
what rock type it was
Follow up question of whether or not petrified wood is a rock
9. Instruct students to leave the conference room and explore the
EAPS Rock Display outside of the RHPH building.
10. Allow students time to explore. During this time mentors should
be there to help when students get confused.
a. During this time students should be using the
method in the demonstration video (as shown in step 4) to
complete the activity paper.
b. Activity should only take around 20 minutes to
complete.
11. Once the students are finished, instruct the students to go back
inside to RHPH G50.
12. Play Rocks in Everyday Life conclusion video.
a. Closure
i.
Metamorphic Rocks
ii.
Sedimentary Rocks
iii.
Igneous Rocks
iv.
Wrap-up

Assessment

The assessment should be divided up into 2 groups

1. Participation
Did they work well with their group? Did they help their group?
Did they participate in the class discussions?
2. Understanding
Did they identify the rock types?
Was their explanation of the petrified wood clear?
Did they show a clear understanding of the lesson?