Rocks come from magma, which is the molten material found within the earth. When magma cools, either above or below the earth’s surface, it crystallizes and forms the igneous rocks that can later be changed into metamorphic or sedimentary rocks.
Rocks are made of one or more minerals. There are three main classifications of rock, based on the way the rock was formed: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous (see Teachers Guide 10 – Rocks and Soils Glossary)
Soil is formed of fine rock particles mixed with air, water and particles from dead plant and animal matter. There are three main types of soil which are classified according to the amount of sand and clay in them. (Sand, silt and clay)
Rocks and Soils worksheets
Worksheet 039 – Rocks and Soils introductory questions
Worksheet 040 – Rock fact file
Worksheet 041 – Soil horizons
Worksheet 042 – Soil horizons ‘jam jar’ experiment
Worksheet 043 – Observing and describing soil
Worksheet 044 – Types and properties of soil (available soon)
Worksheet 045 – Rocks and Soils True or False
Worksheet 046 – The ‘Rock Cycle’
