Grains are the individual pieces that make up a rock.

A mineral is an element or compound with a crystal-like structure. They are the 'building blocks' of rocks.

The texture of a rock describes the size and shape of its grains. It also describes how the grains are arranged in the rock.

A crystal is a solid whose particles have a highly ordered arrangement. They often have a regular shape.

Interlocking describes grains which lock together like a "mosaic". Interlocking grains don't have gaps between them.

Inside rock

Science

Rocks and minerals

Types of rocks

Structure of Earth

Tectonic plates

Igneous rock

Metamorphic rock

In the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change unit, pupils will build on their understanding of Earth's resources to learn about the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels, and the impact of burning fossil fuels within the carbon cycle.

In the key stage 2 Rocks unit, pupils learnt to compare and group rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties and that soil is made of rocks and organic matter.

This unit explores Earth's composition, structure, and rock cycle, including the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It also examines Earth as a source of limited resources and the importance of recycling, alongside skills in making and evaluating observations and measurements.

Earth's resources

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

elements or compounds with a crystal-like structure

size, shape, and arrangement of particles in a rock

highly ordered, solid particles with a regular shape

Match the following rock features to their descriptions:

When examining a rock, which feature is most useful for identifying its type?

When describing a rock that has grains fitting tightly together with no gaps, use the term...

whether the grains are interlocking or not

Which of the following is NOT a useful characteristic for classifying rock types?

Order the following steps to describe how to analyse a rock's features starting with the most general observation (colour/shape):

Analysing minerals gives a more accurate geological time, an epoch. This method is particularly useful for rocks that do not contain fossils or those composed of ...

tiny pieces of rock and organic matter (such as rotting leaves)

Which of the following best describes soil?

What are the solid parts of planet Earth primarily composed of?

What indicates a rock might be very hard?

True or false? All rocks are equally as hard as each other

Which factor does not directly affect the formation of soil from rocks?

Starter Quiz