The ROCK Buffet

We are buzzing through our final unit in science...and I do mean buzzing through. Pass is in just 12 days! Of course our final unit would have to be earth materials which is pretty blah...BUT...I am trying to turn drab into fab. I thought that a song to Cher Lloyd's "Want You Back" and some food would be the ticket to grabbing my kiddos attention when trying to teach them about rocks and minerals. Let me tell you...total buy in! Plus I won some cool points with the song. Glad third graders think I am cool...ya know? ;) 

We began by discussing how rocks are created. To demonstrate, we made rock krispie treats. We mixed several "minerals", added heat...and we had rock! 

During our observation, the students recorded how the rock was formed. 

Once we had this basic concept mastered, along with the three observable properties of minerals, we moved on to the three types of rocks. Yes, yes...all of this in just one hour. I told you...buzzing through. 

My BFF {YouTube} found me this fabulous video which demonstrates how to create the three types of rocks with food. 

  

Yes...his apron says kiss the geologist! :) The kids loved him. After each of his demonstrations, we tried making the rocks too. 

The students recorded observations, and created definitions to describe the process that each rock goes through. 

Once the students could consistently define and describe each type of rock, we feasted...on rocks, of course! 

Best way ever to teach rocks and minerals. The kids have this nailed. Now...moving on to soil types tomorrow. 

Okay 12 days to get it ALL in. Send some energy my way! :) 

Have a great night, friends!