Program Length: 2 hours

Meet a “Rock Cycle” puppet, learn about the Rock Cycle and explore rocks and minerals during a lab session! This program features a “Rock Cycle” puppet who shares his life story about going through the rock cycle. Students examine real fossils during the puppet show and use the interactive SMART board technology to enhance  their learning, engagement and understanding about rocks, minerals and the rock cycle. Students engage in different scientific tests to determine one mineral from another, and the many types of rocks that exist on our planet. Each student is given a different mineral to explore at 9 different work stations using tools such as magnets, nails, tiles, and microscopes to determine its properties. They examine fluorescent minerals, analyze slabs of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks under microscopes, prospect for pieces of pyrite, sort rocks and learn what we use minerals for within the school, home and the community.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Grade 3 – (Science) Topic A: Rocks and Minerals Examine rock samples and discover similarities and differences using simple tests and tools. Recognize rocks are composed of a variety of materials. Describe ways in which rocks break down. Learn about rocks and minerals by closely examining samples. Describe and classify particular rocks and minerals based on properties including colour, luster, hardness and shape. Given a course-grained rock and magnifier to describe some of the component materials.Learn common uses of rocks and minerals in the school, home and community.

Grade 3 –(Science) Topic E: Animal Life Cycles Classify animals based on observable characteristics: e.g. limbs, teeth, backbone.