Rock Identification Lab LESSON PLAN (INQUIRY)

Teacher: Miss Koshy & Mrs. McKee

Subject: Earth and Space Science

Standard:
S1.C2.PO5. Record observations, notes, sketches, questions, and ideas using tools such
as journals, charts, graphs, and computers.
Objective (Explicit):

SWBAT identify a set of rocks based on the rocks characteristics, using tools such as
dichotomous keys and field guides.
Sub-objectives, SWBAT (Sequenced from basic to complex):
Determine the rock samples characteristics.
Navigate a rock field guide.
Navigate a dichotomous key.
Evidence of Mastery (Measurable Assessment):
Students will identify the rock samples with an accuracy of 80%.
Key vocabulary: metamorphic, igneous, sedimentary, foliated,
non-foliated, and organic

Materials: Rock Identification Lab worksheet, rock

field guides, magnifying glasses, & dichotomous
keys

Explain

Explore

Engage/Set: What are some ways that people at Arcadia can be classified, by what characteristics?

Teacher Will:
Provide students with the required materials
and explain the objective and demonstrate how to
use the field guides and dichotomous keys in order to
identify the rock sample.

Student Will:
Listen to the instructions and follow along
with the teacher, as an example of the process is
shown. Go through the kits and try to identify the
listed examples.

Co-Teaching Configuration/Differentiation
Both teachers can circulate around the room in order to help the students who have difficulty going
through the dichotomous key. Also, one teacher can give more direct instruction to those students who need
it while the others are supervised as they identify the rock samples.

Teacher Will:
Describe how dichotomous keys are used in
various fields of science and have students take
notes.

Student Will:
Listen to the explanation about dichotomous
leys.

Co-Teaching Configuration/Differentiation
Students who have cognitive difficulties can be given some of the traits and need to fill in other traits
in order to complete the identification.

Elaborate

Teacher Will:
Student Will:
Provide students the opportunity to revise their Check their rock identifications to determine if
answers based on the new information about
the process was followed or not.
dichotomous keys and field guides.
Co-Teaching Configuration/Differentiation
One teacher can check students answers once the students have checked their assignments while the
other circulates in order to answer students questions and refocus students who have gotten off task or off
topic.

Evaluate Students will be evaluated based on their lab grade, participation, and a summative exam.