Observe The Physical Properties of Rocks With Ease!

Are you preparing to teach your students about the properties of rocks? Are you struggling to find samples of rocks for your students to get their hands on? We understand! It can be challenging (and expensive) to provide samples of different rocks, so we’ve found a way to help you make those rock science lessons come alive with a brand-new digital Foundation Year Science Rock Sorting activity!

Observable Physical Properties of Rocks Sorting Activity – Digital Learning Lesson

This digital rock sorting activity is the perfect way to introduce your students to a variety of interesting rocks when you don’t have access to tangible samples of each type. In this rock sorting activity, students are encouraged to investigate, observe, and describe a variety of rocks using physical properties.

To complete this activity, students will look at the physical properties of the rocks pictured on each slide and then use those observations to sort the rock samples into two categories. The rock sorting categories include physical properties of rocks such as:

• Rough or Smooth? (Texture)
• Shiny or Dull? (Luster)
• Speckled or Striped? (Pattern)
• Dark or Light? (Colour)
• Gold or Silver? (Material/Colour)
• Black or White? (Colour)
• Round or Pointy? (Shape)
• Triangle or Square? (Shape)
• Small or Large? (Size)
• One Colour or Many Colours? (Colour)

Download and Start Sorting Rocks Today!

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides Resource file. To get your copy, click the download button. You will be prompted to make your own copy. Once you’ve got your file, you’re ready to project this resource and start sorting rocks right away!

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Foundation – Kindergarten Science Activities for Teaching About Properties of Rocks 

Don’t Stop There! We’ve got everything you need to teach your Foundation & Kindergarten students about the observable physical properties of rocks and minerals. Make sure you visit our collection and check out the resources below! You’re bound to find something to make your Science lessons ROCK!

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Foundation Year Science Worksheets - Observing Rocks and Soils

Use our printable science activities for Kindergarten / Foundation Year to help your students observe and categorise rocks and soils.

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Describing Rocks and Soils Vocabulary Cards

Introduce your little learners to the academic vocabulary they need to describe rocks and minerals with a printable rocks vocabulary word wall.

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My Rock Collection - Google Slides E-Book

Introduce your students to the world of rocks and minerals with a digital Rocks book for foundation and year 1 students.