Sorting Rocks By Properties – Science Centres for Primary School

Bring hands-on learning to your classroom with these engaging rock-sorting mats! Created as a fun rock activity to reside in your foundation, kindergarten, or year 3 science station, these printable mats provide an exciting way for young learners to explore the physical properties of rocks. 

This printable resource features rock sorting mats based on colour, texture, shape, and size. It is designed for students to sort classroom rock collections into categories based on the observable physical properties of rocks. Each mat features clear illustrations and simple prompts, making this resource ideal for independent learning.

Which Rock-Sorting Mats Are Included?

We have included a variety of rock sorting mats in this resource download. One click will get you the following rock-sorting mats to help teach your early-year science standards.

• Sorting Rocks By Colour Mat (Using colour words)
• Sorting Rocks By Size Mat (large, medium, small)
• Sorting Rocks By Length Mat (short, medium, long)
• Sorting Rocks By Texture Mat (smooth or rough)
• Sorting Rocks by Weight Mat (heavy or light)
• Sorting Rocks With Different Colours Mat (one colour or many colours)
• Sorting Rocks By Lustre Mat (shiny or dull)
• Sorting Rocks With Layers Mat (layers or no layers)

We recommend using these sorting mats to create an independent science exploration station in the classroom. All you need to do is print, laminate, and place these mats (along with a collection of rocks) in your science station and set your students to work!

If you do not have access to a hands-on rock collection for kids, make sure you grab our Rocks and Minerals Picture Cards to go with your sorting mats!

Download and Start Sorting Rocks By Properties!

This resource is available as an easy-to-use PDF or as a fully editable Google Slides Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button. You will be prompted to make your own copy. Once you’ve got your file, you’re ready to print, laminate, and start sorting rocks by properties!

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Rockin’ Science Activities for Kindergarten & Up!

Don’t Stop There! We’ve got everything you need to teach your kindergarteners and foundation-year 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.