Soil and Rock Exploration

This exploration of soil and rocks spanned over several weeks. Beginning December 1st, students have been exploring, observing, washing, classifying, measuring and moving rocks and soil.

To begin, teacher’s set up a provocation with soil. Students were able to explore the soil with spoons and cups, magnifying glasses and their hands. Students were particularly interested in the rocks they found in the soil. They asked, “Where did the rocks come from?” This led to our exploration of rocks.

Students began to wash the rocks. Teachers set out water in a pan with plates of rocks, teacher’s added toothbrushes for scrubbing and pipettes for rinsing. The students explored the rocks and observed what happened as they scrubbed and rinsed.

After reading Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor, students each brought in their own rocks from home. Students shared their rocks with the class. The teacher provoked thinking by questioning students. Where did you find your rock? What made you choose your rock? What can you tell me about your rock?

Teachers set out a variety of coloring utensils for students to explore. Students drew their individual rocks to represent how they view their own rocks. Teachers posed questions in the beginning of the activity such as, “What colors do you see on your rock?” and “What shapes does your rock make?”

 

Students began classifying the rocks. They started classifying them by their physical properties; first by the color or shine then by texture, shape and weight. Students compared and contrasted rocks to one another and rocks to other objects in the classroom. Students used sorting trays to facilitate the sorting process. 

  

Teachers set out rulers to measure the rocks. Students chose their units to measure and compared the sizes of rocks. Next, the students will measure the weights of the rocks with a balance. Students learned how to tell if something is heavier, lighter or the same. Students chose what to compare the rocks to; other rocks, corks, unifix cubes, or other classroom materials.

To see all of the photos from our exploration, please visit our Google+ page.