New
New
How geologists work
I can explain the role of geologists and why their work is important.
Lesson 16 of 16
New
New
- Year 3
How geologists work
I can explain the role of geologists and why their work is important.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geologists learn about the Earth by observing different rocks and soils.
- Geologists use different methods to study the Earth including fieldwork.
- Geologists help us understand how Earth and other planets formed.
Keywords
Geology - Geology is the science of studying the rocks and soils that Earth and its different landscapes are made from.
Geologist - A geologist scientist who works in the field of geology.
Observation - We make observations when we look closely at something and use other senses too.
Rock hammer - A rock hammer is a tool used to break rocks open.
Common misconception
Geologists only look at rocks and soils collected on Earth.
Geologists also work with data from space.
Explore other secondary sources, such as library books and the internet, to find out more about the work of modern geologists.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Worksheet
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a scientist?
What is a scientist?
someone who acts in plays in the theatre
someone who teaches children in a classroom
someone who gathers crops from fields and sells the produce
Q2.A geologist is a scientist who studies ...
A geologist is a scientist who studies ...
animals
plants
human-made materials
Q3.Which part of an investigation does a scientist use to find out if they have answered the question they are investigating?
Which part of an investigation does a scientist use to find out if they have answered the question they are investigating?
the plan
the equipment
Q4.Order the steps a scientist takes when carrying out an investigation.
Order the steps a scientist takes when carrying out an investigation.
Q5.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 use data to help them answer questions. Look at the data on this image. Which questions does this data help you to answer?
Which is the prettiest rock?
Which is the most expensive rock?
Which is the most permeable rock?
Q6.Scientists things closely with a hand lens or digital microscope to help them answer questions.
Scientists things closely with a hand lens or digital microscope to help them answer questions.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following do geologists study?
Which of the following do geologists study?
rainbows
bones
Q2.Where might a geologist work?
Where might a geologist work?
a cafe
a zoo
a hairdressers
a police station
Q3.What do all the things that geologist study have in common?
What do all the things that geologist study have in common?
They contain the material metal.
They contain the material plastic.
They contain the material water.
Q4.A geologist like Rosaly Lopes, working for a space agency might observe rock that has come from ...
A geologist like Rosaly Lopes, working for a space agency might observe rock that has come from ...
my garden.
the ocean.
a cliff by the beach.
Q5.What was the name of the geologist who travelled to South America on a ship called the HMS Beagle?
What was the name of the geologist who travelled to South America on a ship called the HMS Beagle?
Q6.Match the keyword to its definition.
Match the keyword to its definition.
