Sedimentary Rocks Lesson with Fun Activities and Science Experiment

This fun sedimentary rocks lesson (with awesome science experiment and activities) is perfect for kids in preschool, kindergarten, and even elementary school! The activities and science project in this lesson show the kids all about sedimentary rocks.

I put this lesson together for the Geology Rocks!  combined kindergarten through 2nd grade class I'm teaching at our homeschool co-op right now, and am super excited to share it with you!

This was the second lesson we had, after an introduction & minerals lesson.

If you're a regular visitor, you've already seen two of the activities in this lesson...today, I'm putting it all together for you!  You are welcome to use any parts you think would benefit you and your kiddos, or the entire lesson!

So, here is the... 

Sedimentary Rocks Lesson:

Supplies:   

fossil samples (recommended: petrified wood, fossiliferous limestone, trilobites, dinosaur bones, coprolites), sedimentary rock samples (recommended: sandstone, conglomerate, limestone, coal), lab supplies (digital scale, hydrochloric acid and pipette, magnifying glasses or microscope, colored pencils), edible sedimentary rock model supplies (graham crackers, M&M’s, mini marshmallows, cupcake liner), optional playdough and things to make “fossils” with

Learning Goals:  

* Sedimentary rocks are made from smashing or sticking rocks & minerals together. 
* Earth’s history is stored in layers of sedimentary rocks.  Most fossils are stored in sedimentary rock layers.

1- Attention Activity: Show a fun fossil and talk about it.  Let students make observations & ask questions. 

2- Discussion:  Fossils are made when minerals soak into bones or other living material and harden it into a rock.  Show, talk about, answer questions about a few fun fossils (like petrified wood, fossiliferous limestone, trilobites, dinosaur bones, coprolites, etc.)

3- Optional art activity: Use play dough to make fossils of dinosaur footprints, leaves, sticks, etc.

4- Notes/Discussion:

* Earth’s history is stored in layers of sedimentary rocks. Most fossils are contained in sedimentary rock.

* Fun and common sedimentary rocks that you may want to display, hold, touch, and talk about: sandstone, limestone, conglomerates, coal 

{You can purchase sandstone and limestone bricks for $1-$5 at hardware stores where they sell garden paving stones}

5- Sedimentary Rock Lab: rotate around to 3 stations! 

   

SAFETY NOTE:  These stations require a high level of supervision!  You should have safety supplies (like goggles) and an adult at each station!  You should also have running water available (in case chemicals or glass get in eyes) and baking soda available to neutralize the hydrochloric acid.

               

Supplies & instructions for each station:

Station 1: Weight: a digital scale.  Weigh the rocks.

                                

Station 2:  Fizzing Rocks!

Station 3: Magnifying glasses or a microscope.  Observe and draw the rocks!

6- Edible SedimentaryRock Model

7- Wrap Up & Review!  

* Sedimentary rocks are made from smashing or sticking rocks & minerals together.  

* Earth’s history is stored in layers of sedimentary rocks.  Most fossils are stored in sedimentary rock layers.

Are you working on a  rock unit or rock theme?  What are the science projects and activities you're doing? Be sure to check out my Soil/Rocks lesson featuring tons of activities and science experiments & watch for my upcoming Rock Unit!!  Also, I will have a HUGE printable resource in the rock unit--you will LOVE it!!

I may share at any of these parties!

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