Rock is a solid material that occurs naturally in Earth.

The appearance of an object is the way something looks.

We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.

To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.

Information gathered using secondary sources is information that has been collected by someone else.

The appearance of rocks

Science

Introduction to 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)

How geologists work

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

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

Scientists observe the appearance of rocks more closely using a __________ or a microscope.

decide which ones we like and we don't like

compare their similarities and differences

If we want to compare and group things by their appearance, what would we do?

Which property could help you to identify and name this rock just by its appearance?

Different rocks have different names. Which of these are types of rock?

Which of these are secondary sources of information that you could use to help identify a rock you didn't know the name of?

We could observe the amount of grains in the rock.

We could find out where the rock came from.

We could count the number of holes in the rock.

How could we compare and group rocks based on their appearance?

A {{}} is what we use to make things. It is a substance from which something is made.

A natural material is something we find in nature.

A natural material has not been made by humans.

Which of these statements explain what a natural material is?

Rocks are found in the crust of the {{}}.

Which of these objects could be made from rock?

Starter Quiz

A is what we use to make things. It is a substance from which something is made.