Title: The Rock Cycle

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Subject: Science

Duration: 60 minutes

Objectives: 1. Students will understand the concept of the rock cycle and its different stages. 2. Students will be able to identify and classify different types of rocks. 3. Students will recognize the importance of the rock cycle in shaping the Earth’s surface.

Materials: - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers - Rock samples (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) - Magnifying glasses - Handouts with rock cycle diagrams - Internet access (optional)

Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever wondered how rocks are formed or why they look different from one another. 2. Show students different rock samples and ask them to describe their characteristics. 3. Explain that rocks are constantly changing and that the process through which rocks change is called the rock cycle. 4. Write the term “Rock Cycle” on the chart paper or whiteboard.

Main Activity (30 minutes): 1. Divide the class into small groups and distribute rock samples and magnifying glasses to each group. 2. Instruct students to observe the rocks closely and discuss their characteristics within their groups. 3. Ask each group to identify the type of rock they have (igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic) and explain how they reached their conclusion. 4. Bring the class back together and have each group share their findings. 5. Display a rock cycle diagram on the chart paper or whiteboard and explain the different stages of the rock cycle (weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, melting, cooling, and crystallization). 6. Discuss how each type of rock is formed and transformed through the rock cycle. 7. Provide handouts with rock cycle diagrams for students to refer to during the lesson.

Extension Activity (15 minutes): 1. Have students create their own rock cycle diagrams using the information discussed in class. 2. Encourage creativity and accuracy in representing the different stages of the rock cycle. 3. Allow students to share their diagrams with the class and explain their understanding of the rock cycle.

Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Recap the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the different types of rocks and the stages of the rock cycle. 2. Discuss the importance of the rock cycle in shaping the Earth’s surface and how it contributes to the formation of mountains, valleys, and other geological features. 3. Answer any remaining questions and provide additional resources for further exploration of the topic.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during the group activity. - Review students’ completed rock cycle diagrams for accuracy and understanding. - Ask students questions to assess their comprehension of the rock cycle and its stages.