Soil & Rocks Lesson (with Activity & Science Experiment)

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This fun soil and rocks lesson (with an awesome activity and science experiment) is perfect for kids in preschool, kindergarten, and even elementary school! Kids love these activities and science project.

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

As background knowledge, we already talked about sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.  We also talked about how rocks are made of different materials and did an experiment where we made limestone (a sedimentary rock) fizz by adding hydrochloric acid.

You are welcome to use any parts you think would benefit you and your kiddos, or the entire lesson!

So, here is the... 

Soil & Rocks Lesson:


1-  Demonstration/Discussion: Rub two rocks (one a limestone/chalky rock) together.  Talk about how they make sandy dust.

2- Key Concepts/Notes/Discussion:

Soil: the upper layer of Earth where plants grow, usually a mixture of rocks and organic material
Erosion: the gradual wearing away or destruction [of rocks].  Rocks are eroded away into soil.           
3 types of erosion:  wind, mechanical, water


3- Activity: Making soil from rocks!  Go outside and use a hammer to crush rocks into sand!  Be sure to wear safety goggles and take turns!






4- Discussion: How long does it take nature to make sand?
What else is in dirt, besides rocks?
What does the sand have in common with the rocks it came from?

5- Experiment:  Does sand from limestone still fizz when mixed with hydrochloric acid?  Try it out!!  (spoiler: yes, it does!)
What else can you test the sand for?
How can you turn it into soil?

6- Paper Activity:  Paste or draw pictures into your notebook of what animals and plants live in soil!  (note: my Geology Rocks! notebook is almost ready...I'll add a link to it once it's available!!)

Are you working on a rock unit or rock theme?  Be sure to try this edible sedimentary rock model or these cute rock bugs!

Do you love science experiments and activities?  Check out these science projects and STEM activities:

STEAM Inspired Mother’s Day Ideas from Little Bins for Little Hands
Soil & Rocks Lesson (with Activity & Experiment) from Preschool Powol Packets
Convection Current Experiment from The Homeschool Scientist




I may share at any of these parties!



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