As many of you already know I tend to lean towards using unit studies when it comes to history and science. I find we get so much more out of a hands on science unit than just reading through text and answering questions. This is a Rocks & Minerals Unit I am preparing for the coming school year.

There is probably way more here than anyone would ever spend the time to do, and there will be resources that overlap each other. I include many options so that I can pick and choose what suits us as we work our way through. Some activities we end up spending more time on, and some less.

I usually start any unit study with my children by making a trip to the library to take out as many books and videos as we can find on the topic. Then we will read a little, watch a little, and then dig in to the hands on activities that pique our interest. I also like using printable sheets to include as a record of their learning and as a way for them to look back on what they have done.

Rocks & Minerals Printables

• Hands of a Child Lapbook –  This 60-page Project Pack includes a 16-page Research Guide that covers types of rocks, rock cycles, Mohs scale of hardness, minerals, crystals, gemstones, classes of minerals, and collecting rocks and minerals.  Next, your student will use the information found in the Research Guide to complete 20 hands-on activities to make a lapbook on the science of Rocks and Minerals.
• 15 FREE Printable Worksheets – Rock Cycle, Rock Identification, Rock Bingo and more!
• FREE Printables Flashcards – An easy-to-use graphic organizer is included to help students learn or review the characteristics of a mineral and the ways we can identify them. A great tool to use for review or instead of traditional note-taking.
• Rocks & Minerals Themed Resources – Tons of FREE resources, printables, unit studies, nature studies and more!

Rocks & Minerals Video Resources

https://youtu.be/9cHUbyaid1k

Eyewitness Rocks & Minerals

Purchase Eyewitness Rocks & Minerals

A song to help teach the three types of rocks and their characteristics.

https://youtu.be/6Vh1Uwg1ESA

Purchase Bill Nye the Science Guy: Rocks & Soil

Rocks & Minerals Books

DK Eyewitness Books: Rocks & Minerals – In this updated and revised version igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks as well as hundreds of sparkling minerals are covered in detail on where and how they form; as well as explaining characteristics such as hardness, color and luster. Text and photographs examine the creation, importance, erosion, mining, and uses of rocks, minerals and precious metals. {Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to post a positive review. Your experience may vary. Please see my full Disclosure Policy for more details.}

My favorite thing about this book is the super sized color images of all the specimens. It really allows you to sit down and compare your own samples to what is in the book.

DK Ultimate Factivity Collection – Packed with fun activities including games, doodle and coloring pages, puzzles, and crafts, plus more than 500 stickers, this Ultimate Factivity book contains amazing facts and educational information that encourage learning in a fun, hands on way. {Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to post a positive review. Your experience may vary. Please see my full Disclosure Policy for more details.}

This book is great for the younger kids. I am using this with my 3rd/4th grader as she is a very hands on learner. The stickers are full color and gorgeous. With each turn of the page there is another opportunity to learn something, create something, and use the stickers!

Rocks & Minerals Activities

Rocks & Minerals Reference Page – tons of links to learning activities, quizzes, printables and more!

I told the kids not to focus on getting the “right” identification for their rock or mineral, but on the process of how to go about it.  The pictures are each of their findings for Luster, Hardness, and Cleavage which helped them to narrow down their identification of the rock or mineral they were looking at.

They enjoyed learning about the Mohs Scale of Hardness and where everyday things might fall on the scale.

 Identification Quiz – An online quiz from Quizlett that includes names, descriptions, photos, and an audio option.

 Rock Types Lab – Includes resources and information for completing a lab at home.

 Rock Hound Kids – a website dedicated to geology for kids

 Outdoor Hour Challenge: Rock Edition – Ideas and printables for getting outside and exploring rocks

Rocks & Minerals on Pinterest

To get all the new stuff I find and for more sites and resources, be sure to follow my Science: Rocks & Minerals Pinterest Board