Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Rocks and Mineral Identification

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 3rd

Content Standard Addressed: S3E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical
attributes of rocks and soils.

a. Ask questions and analyze data to classify rocks by their physical attributes (color, texture, luster, and
hardness) using simple tests. (Clarification statement: Mohs scale should be studied at this level. Cleavage,
streak and the classification of rocks as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic are studied in sixth grade.)

Technology Standard Addressed: 3- Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPop.com

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

https://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsystem/mineralidentification/
https://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsystem/typesofrocks/

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): The BrainPop video give a visual to students and can be helpful for
those who are visual learners. The video and other resources on the site are multi-language friendly which
allows students who speak another language (Spanish or French) to watch the video in their native language.
The video also includes closed captions for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. BrainPop is an excellent
way to expand UDL in the classroom.

Lesson idea implementation:

Spring 2018_SJB
 Instructional Software
The BrainPop video will be used to introduce the Mohs scale and how to identify different
characteristics of rocks and minerals. The lesson will begin by a quick introduction from the teacher.
“Students, today we will be learning about rocks and minerals and how to identify them! I’m about to play
two videos and pay close attention to what they’re doing because you guys will have a chance to identify our
own rocks in minerals”. Then the teacher will play the video to the class. After the video is over, they will have
a class discussion. “Okay students, can someone tell me one way to identify a mineral?”. Students will answer
and the class will have discussed, in summary, what the Mohs scale is and how to identify rocks and minerals.
Next, the teacher will take the students outside of the classroom, near school maybe near playground or
wooded area, to find different rocks and minerals. The students will be using these rocks and minerals to test
different characteristics of the minerals and where they fall on the Mohs scale. Students will record their
findings on an activity sheet and share their finding with their peers.
The activity will take 30-35 minutes. (5-10 minutes to watch the video/discuss Mohs scale, 10
minutes to go outside and find minerals, 15 minutes identify minerals and discuss findings). The student’s
learning will be assessed mainly by anecdotal notes, but the teacher will also collect the activity sheets to
asses student’s understanding. To extend the student learning to a higher level, the teacher will ask them if
there is another way, we could identify rocks or minerals instead of using the Mohs scale. Students will
discuss their ideas with their peers. To conclude the lesson, the class will have a wrap up discussion on what
they learned about rocks, minerals, and the Mohs scale. The teacher will provide feedback on the student’s
activity sheet.
Reflective Practice: The activity will impact the student’s learning about rocks and minerals by using the
Mohs scale. After this activity, students will be able to identify rocks and minerals everywhere they go. To
farther extend the lesson, I would encourage the students to identify rocks and minerals using the Mohs scale
at home with their parents.

Spring 2018_SJB