Science KS 2 Unit 3D Rocks and soils

Through this unit children should come to recognise that underneath all surfaces is rock which they may not be able to see, that rocks get broken down into pebbles and soils which we can often see, and that there are different sorts of rock with different characteristics. Pebbles and soils from different rocks consequently have different characteristics. Experimental and investigative work focuses on:

• considering whether a test is fair.
• measuring volumes of liquids using appropriate apparatus.
• making comparisons.
• drawing and suggesting explanations for conclusions.

Work in this unit also offers opportunities for children to use their understanding of science to explain observations about rocks and soils, for children to collect evidence to test ideas, and to recognise hazards and risks

This unit takes approximately 10 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• collection of secondary sources eg CD-ROMs
• rocks including at least one permeable rock eg chalk, sandstone and one non-permeable rock eg granite, marble
• hand lenses
• sieves, timers and measuring jugs or cylinders
• containers for soil tests, eg transparent plastic tubes with gauze covering the bottom
• pictures/video showing landscapes with and without visible rocks and different soils
• samples of different soils