A type of rock formed from the compression of sediments (rock fragments, minerals and remains of dead plants and animals).

A type of rock that has changed due to heat and/or pressure (e.g. marble, slate).

A type of rock formed from magma, either erupted from a volcano (e.g. pumice) or cooled below ground (e.g. granite).

A rock with no spaces between the grains or one that contains interlocking crystals.

Types of rocks

Science

Inside rock

Rocks and minerals

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

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of sedimentary rocks?

Composed of crystals that point in many directions.

Which of the following distinguishes igneous rocks from other rock types?

Which of the following statements about metamorphic rocks is incorrect?

The properties of igneous and metamorphic rocks make them suitable for a variety of purposes. 
Which of the following are **not** typical uses?

Which of the following types of rock is marble?

{{}} rocks have spaces between the grains or crystals, allowing water to pass through.

A naturally occurring pure substance with a crystal structure.

A synthetic compound used in construction.

Which of the following properties are **not** typically used to identify minerals?

Which of the following materials is known for its hardness and is often used in jewellery?

Which of the following physical properties describes how easily a material can be scratched?

A {{}} is a solid mixture of minerals or organic matter.

The {{}} of a material describes its mass per unit volume. 

Types of rocks

Lesson outcome

Content guidance