Types of rocks
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use features to classify rocks into different groups and suggest properties of each type.
Key learning points
- Sedimentary rocks contain distinct grains that are stuck together.
- Sedimentary rocks may contain fragments of shell or fossils, or larger pieces of grit or pebbles cemented together.
- Igneous rocks contain crystals that point in many directions; metamorphic rocks contain crystals that mostly line up.
- Rocks that contain interlocking grains or interlocking crystals are non-porous; rocks that don't are porous.
- The properties of rock influence their uses.
Keywords
Sedimentary - A type of rock formed from the compression of sediments (rock fragments, minerals and remains of dead plants and animals).
Metamorphic - A type of rock that has changed due to heat and/or pressure (e.g. marble, slate).
Igneous - A type of rock formed from magma, either erupted from a volcano (e.g. pumice) or cooled below ground (e.g. granite).
Porous - A rock with spaces between the grains.
Non-porous - A rock with no spaces between the grains or one that contains interlocking crystals.
Common misconception
Pupils sometimes focus on one feature to classify rocks as one type or another.
Stress that the rock classification system is gradual - show examples of various metamorphic rocks, highlighting similarities / differences.
Teacher tip
Use commonly used (and more easily categorised) rock samples to start, then introduce more difficult ones as the topic progresses.
Equipment
Sedimentary: limestone (sample with a fossil / shell), sandstone and conglomerate (sample with larger pebbles); metamorphic: marble, gneiss; igneous: granite, basalt and pumice; examination hand lens.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a mineral?
Q2.Which of the following properties are not typically used to identify minerals?
Q3.Which of the following materials is known for its hardness and is often used in jewellery?
Q4.Which of the following physical properties describes how easily a material can be scratched?
Q5.A is a solid mixture of minerals or organic matter.
Q6.The of a material describes its mass per unit volume.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a characteristic feature of sedimentary rocks?
Q2.Which of the following distinguishes igneous rocks from other rock types?
Q3.Which of the following statements about metamorphic rocks is incorrect?
Q4.The properties of igneous and metamorphic rocks make them suitable for a variety of purposes.
Which of the following are not typical uses?
Q5.Which of the following types of rock is marble?
Q6. rocks have spaces between the grains or crystals, allowing water to pass through.
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Types of rocks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Types of rocks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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