Teacher Notes

This unit provides information and activities for work on grouping and classifying materials for Sc3 - Materials and their properties - of the National Curriculum Science Orders at Key Stage 2.

These Teacher Notes provide support material and suggestions for additional activities.

Rock survey

Field trips to study rock formations can yield much useful information. However, since we use rocks in many ways in our streets and buildings, a useful starting point can be made much closer to home.

Rocks or former rocks which will or may be found in and around school and the local area include:

In the street

• crushed granite or basalt road surface
• concrete or granite kerbstones
• sandstone or limestone buildings

On buildings

• clay brick or stone walls
• clay or slate roof tiles
• stucco rendering (lime and sand)
• pebble dashing
• marble steps
• glass windows (made from calcium, sodium and silica)

In gardens

• rocks in a rock garden
• concrete flagstones or paving slabs
• flower pots and troughs
• stone troughs and sinks