Teaching Rocks and Minerals in the Upper Grades

Teaching rocks and minerals to upper-grade students is an exciting opportunity to spark curiosity and interest in the earth sciences! From exploring how rocks change forms to observing and classifying rock types, students are naturally drawn to the natural phenomenon they see every day. To make these lessons even more engaging, we’ve assembled a range of science resources specifically designed for upper-level classrooms.

Rocks and Minerals Word Find 

This Rocks and Minerals Word Search Puzzle is perfect for upper-level students to discover key academic vocabulary while having fun! Featuring content and age-appropriate terms like “igneous,” “cleavage,” “rock cycle,” and more, this word search helps older students build familiarity with important science words related to the rock cycle.

With clear and easily readable letters, this word search presents 16 cleverly concealed words to keep your students’ interest. Whether they’re working independently, at a science center, or simply needing a quick review, this puzzle is an outstanding tool for reinforcing their knowledge and having fun while doing so.

Download and Print Your Rocks and Minerals Word Search

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or Printable PDF Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select your preferred file format. Make your copies, pass them out to your students, and you’re ready to begin!

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

Even More Rocks and Minerals Activities for Upper Grades

Before you go, take advantage of a world of printable rocks and minerals activities for older learners. Check out these handy resources before you go!

teaching resource

Types of Rocks Posters

Teach your students information about the three basic types of rock with a set of printable Types of Rocks Anchor Charts.

teaching resource

Sedimentary Rock Formation Poster

A poster explaining the processes that lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks.