Sorting Rocks By Properties – Science Center for Kindergarten Through 2nd Grade

Bring hands-on learning to your classroom with these engaging rock-sorting mats! Created as a fun rock activity to reside in your preschool or kindergarten science center, 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 color, texture, shape, and size and is designed for students to sort classroom rock collections into categories based on the observable physical properties of rocks. Each rock sorting mat features clear illustrations and simple prompts, making this resource ideal for independent learning in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. 

Which Rock Activities 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 Kindergarten science standards.

• Sorting Rocks By Color Mat (Using color 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 Colors Mat (one color or many colors)
• Sorting Rocks By Luster 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 in Ohio and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Rock Activities for Preschool Through 2nd Grade!

Don’t Stop There! We’ve got everything you need to teach your kindergarteners 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!

teaching resource

Describing Rocks and Minerals Chart Pack

Use a Describing Rocks and Minerals Chart to help your students identify and describe the properties of rocks and minerals.

teaching resource

Minerals and Rocks Picture Cards

Observe, describe, and sort examples of rocks and minerals with a set of printable types of rocks pictures and word cards.

teaching resource

Kindergarten Science Worksheets - Observing Rocks and Soils

Use our printable kindergarten science worksheets to help your students observe and categorize rocks and soils.