Geology is the science of studying the rocks and soils that Earth and its different landscapes are made from.

A geologist scientist who works in the field of geology.

We make observations when we look closely at something and use other senses too.

A rock hammer is a tool used to break rocks open.

How geologists work

Science

Introduction to rocks

The appearance of rocks

Physical properties of rocks: hardness

Mohs' scale of hardness (non-statutory)

Physical properties of rocks: permeability

Everyday uses of rocks

Weathering and erosion of rocks

How fossils are formed

More about fossil formation

Mary Anning (non-statutory)

What soils are made from

Different types of soils (non-statutory)

Healthy soil (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Soil permeability: plan (non-statutory)

Soil permeability: do and review (non-statutory)

In this Rocks and soil unit, pupils learn to describe in simple terms how fossils are formed. In the Evolution and inheritance unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise that things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago.

In the Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and compare the suitability of materials, including rock. In this Rocks and soils unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties.

This unit covers comparing and grouping rocks based on appearance and physical properties, understanding fossil formation, and recognising that soils are made from rocks and organic matter. It involves setting up practical enquiries, making observations, and using evidence to answer questions.

Rocks and soils

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of the following do geologists study?

What do all the things that geologist study have in common?

A geologist like Rosaly Lopes, working for a space agency might observe rock that has come from ...

What was the name of the geologist who travelled to South America on a ship called the HMS Beagle?

someone who teaches children in a classroom

someone who systematically gathers and uses research and evidence

someone who gathers crops from fields and sells the produce

A geologist is a scientist who studies ...

Which part of an investigation does a scientist use to find out if they have answered the question they are investigating?

Collects the equipment and materials needed.

Analyses the data to answer their question.

Order the steps a scientist takes when carrying out an investigation.

Scientists use data to help them answer questions. Look at the data on this image. Which questions does this data help you to answer?

Scientists {{}} things closely with a hand lens or digital microscope to help them answer questions.

Starter Quiz

What is a scientist?