Kindergarten Rocks and Soil Unit Part 1

Part 1: Science Unit on Rocks, Sand and Soil 

Rocks are everywhere. I asked them if they have precious rocks at home? Some answered yes and some answered no. I showed them some rocks I just picked out outside with different size, texture, color and shape.

We can see rocks everywhere but where did it come from? Where do we usually see rocks? Some kids says in the sea, at their homes, on the ground. Yes, that's right we can see rocks everywhere. Here I showed them an illustration of a volcano, upon seeing the illustration I asked them if anyone could guess where does rock come from? One student said "from LAVA- VOLCANO", that's great! That kid was really awesome.( At least one kid stood up and gave her idea upon hearing my question and seeing the illustration).

So, where does rock come from? As illustrated: 

1. Magma the underlying red hot liquid stuff under the ground,

2. Eruption is the explosion when hot materials are thrown out in the mouth of the volcano

3. Lava as what we can see on the illustration its the melting hot material that flows out from the volcano's mounth.

When these hot materials cools down it turns into rock. (The sequencing number of events helps them remember the flow of the illustration.)

We also let them go outside and find some rocks around the school area.

For tomorrow's activity, we assign them to bring one rock. The next day they presented the rocks they brought, some forgot to bring yet the other kids brought 2 or 3 rocks so they give it to others and shared it those who don't have rocks.

I let the kids explore with the rocks touch, feel, use magnifying glasses, sort, and just play with the rocks. After the kids have explored for a while, they fill out their "Rock Report". 

On their Rock Report Information Sheet there they draw their rocks, write its size, color, shape and draw things that uses rocks.

Here are their reports: 

Here's our next activity: "ROCK PAINTING" the kids says its really fun.

Since they have observed that rocks are also seen under the sea. The next day, our next activity is "Rock Coloring" inspired by the theme - under the sea. 

Part 2: "Rock Coloring"

Love to hear your Rock unit activity on the comment section.