Lesson Plan: 3 types of Rocks

Teacher Name: Ashton McCune

Grade: 5th -6th
Subject: Geology
Topic:
Content and
words to know:
Goals:
Objectives:

Materials:
Time to
complete:
Development
and instructions:

Rock forms
Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic
Students will be able to define and describe how the three
major types of rocks are formed.
Students will be able to use the three different forms of
food to help them understand the visual and physical
differences within the rocks.
ice cubes, omelet, layered cake, 3 rock types rocks with
multiple pictures, pencil paper
45minutes.
The first type is called igneous. Igneous rocks are composed
of melted rock that hardens and cools. A few examples
include obsidian and pumice. Show a picture of each
example. (Get an ice tray. Fill it with water and put it in the
freezer. After an hour, an igneous rock is like a cube of ice.
It's originally melted, then hardens after being put in the
freezer. It's cool when you take it out.)
The second type of rock is called sedimentary, and they're
formed from material that is settled into layers. The layers
are squeezed until they harden into rock. A few examples
include limestone, breccia, and sandstone. Show a picture
of each example. (Example of an omelet for metamorphic
rocks. The egg is mixed with various ingredients, and then
cooked. The egg experiences heat and pressure from the
flames of the stove, which enables it to turn into an
omelet.)

The third type of rock is called metamorphic. These rocks

are changed by heat and pressure. A few examples include
slate and marble. Show pictures.
(Display a layered cake that this is similar to how
sedimentary rock is formed. The various layers of the cake
come together after baking in the oven.
Have the students make a graphic poster about either
igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks. On the poster,
they should use pictures and words to share how the rocks
are formed.
Checking For
Understanding:

Closure:

Have the students complete some worksheets on the 3

different types of rocks. Also have the students make a
graphic poster about either igneous, sedimentary, or
metamorphic rocks. On the poster, they should use pictures
and words to share how the rocks are formed.
The first type is called igneous. Igneous rocks are composed
of melted rock that hardens and cools.
The second type of rock is called sedimentary, and they're
formed from material that is settled into layers. The layers
are squeezed until they harden into rock.
The third type of rock is called metamorphic. These rocks
are changed by heat and pressure.
Also eat all the cake at end of class and use ice for drinks,