Curriculum Unit Summary Geology, a study of what is under our feet and how we use it was the determined

topic for a two week unit in science. Third-grade unit five is focused on studying the moon and solar system and their properties. After this unit I thought it would be the perfect time to discuss what makes up the characteristics of our planet. The unit is based around some enduring understandings and essential questions. Enduring Understandings Scientists gather and classify information to help them understand our world. People use rocks and minerals to meet their wants and needs. Often the use of the rock or minerals is determined by its physical properties. Rocks and minerals have observable properties. These properties can be used to compare, sort, and classify the rocks and minerals. Essential Questions What is under our feet? How do minerals and rocks help you every day? What can we do with minerals and rocks? How can we group minerals and rocks? How are properties used to identify, sort, and classify rocks and minerals?

How did we get them there? These enduring understandings and essential questions were the focus and guided the development of learning activities and lessons. Lessons and learning activities were differentiated based upon student learning profiles as well as pre-assessment in order for every student to grow in their learning. Several realistic research opportunities were planned for the students to participate in order to learn about the purpose of rocks and minerals, how they are formed, how they are different, and what their characteristics are. Some small group activities as well as whole group discussions were planned to give

students opportunities to interact with their classmates and gain a deeper depth of knowledge of the content. Performance Task: At the end of the first week students were asked if they were to build a pathway out of a rock or mineral which would they choose and why. The students had to take many things into account such as cost, weight, size, color, and hardness to decide which would make a good pathway. The students researched the characteristics and then either using a poster, book, or a letter to convince a local garden society to put a pathway in of that mineral or rock. Standards addressed E.SS.8.3.2- Classify rocks by their properties, including but not limited to size, shape, color, textures, and patterns. ESS.8.3.3- Identify the three stages of rock: metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary. ESS.8.3.7- Identify common uses of rocks and minerals. ESS3.A- Energy and fuels humans use are derived from natural sources and their use affects the environment. ESS2.E- Living things can affect the physical characteristics of their environment.