The earth's surface is constantly changing. By observing rocks, soil, and water, students are able to describe and classify them according to their characteristics. Through investigation and observation in the community, students interpret the effects of water, weather, and people on rocks and soil. Composting, soil and stream studies, rock collections, and classroom gardens provide opportunities for students to observe the changes that occur naturally or as a result of human impact. Activities Each student collects five different rocks from a variety of places.
Students observe rocks using magnifying lenses.
They brainstorm words to describe their rocks. In small groups, students decide on a classification and sort their rocks. The teacher sets up the following experiments for the students so they can observe the effects of water and wind on soil. The teacher fills a cookie sheet with soil, places it on a newspaper, and fans the dry soil. The teacher fills one end of a cake pan with soil, tilts the pan, and pours water into the raised end.