Step 1

Unit Theme:
Investigating the ground beneath us through the study of
rocks and minerals
(grade 6)
Science Standards
General Standard Most OACS-E Least
Complexity
Grade Level:6 ESS.68.1a Sort ESS.68.1b Identify ESS.68.1c
minerals by an object as a Identify a
Standard (Subject): properties (e.g., mineral or common rock-
Earth and Space color, density a rock. forming mineral.
Science and luster). ESS.68.2b Identify ESS.68.2c
ESS.68.2a the properties of Identify
(ESS) Classify igneous, igneous properties of
metamorphic (e.g., granite, sedimentary
Strand/Domain:
or sedimentary basalt) or rocks.
Rocks, Minerals, and rocks. metamorphic (e.g., ESS.68.3c
Soil ESS.68.3a marble, quartzite) Identify a
Identify how rocks. component of a
Content Statement each rock type is ESS.68.3b Identify rock
#:ESS.6. 1. Minerals formed components of a cycle.
have specific, (pressure, rock
quantifiable erosion, cooling, cycle.
properties. melting,
ESS.6.2. Igneous, compaction,
metamorphic and cementation,
sedimentary rocks heat and/or
have unique weathering.
characteristics that
can be used for
identification and/or
classification.
ESS.6.3. Igneous,
metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks
form in different
ways.
ESS.6.4. Soil is
unconsolidated
material that
contains nutrient
matter and
weathered
rock.
ESS.6.5. Rocks,
minerals and soils
have common and
practical uses.

Social Studies Standards

General Standard Most Complexity Least

Standard (Subject): GEO.68.3a GEO.68.3b Locate GEO.68.3c

Identify the the major features Locate the
Geography GEO absolute location and equator on a
Strand/Domain: (latitude and landforms on a globe
longitude) of globe in relation to
Regions and People major places and the equator and
of the Eastern features on a prime meridian.
Hemisphere globe (e.g.,
Content Statement charting
#: locations
on a grid).
GEO.6.3 Regions
can be determined,
classified and
compared using
various criteria (e.g.,
landform, climate,
population, cultural
or
economic).

Step 2
Activity Ideas Matching SCI/SS Standards
(from above)

Info Ohio rocks and soil Bill http://dvc.infohio.org/

Nye video browse/?videoid=131
GEO.6.3
ESS.6.2
ESS.6.3

Foldable book with ESS.6.2

vocabulary and matching
W.68.2
Team Research ESS.6.2
Different types of rocks and
minerals
minerals and rocks sort ESS.6.1
Hands on activity for rock ESS.6.3
cycle
(wax simulation)
Erosion Activity ESS.6.4
 Practical uses activity ESS.6.5

Step 3
Language Arts Standards
General Standard Most Complexity Least

Standard (Subject) RI.68.4a RI.68.4b RI.68.4c Match

Reading Standards for Explain the Identify pictures or
Informational Text/Writing meaning of the objects to words
words or meaning or phrases based
WW phrases as of words on how they are
they are or used in a text.
Text used in a phrases
Strand/Domain: text, based on
including how they
Craft and Structure technical are used
Text Types and meanings. in a text.
Purposes
Content Statement #:

RI.6.4

Determine the meaning

of words and phrases
as
they are used in a text,
including figurative,
connotative, and
technical meanings.
RI.6.11

Integrate information
presented in different
media or
formats (e.g., visually,
quantitatively) as well
as in
words to develop a
coherent understanding
of a
topic or issue.

W.678.2a

Write W.68.2c
informative/explanatory Communicate
texts to examine a facts and details
topic and convey ideas, W.68.2a on a
concepts, and Generate given topic.
information informative
through the selection, text, W.68.2b
organization, and including Generate
analysis of an multiple
relevant content. introductor factual
a. Introduce a topic; y sentence, sentences
organize ideas, supporting ,
concepts, facts and on a topic,
and information, using a including
strategies such as concluding a topic
definition, sentence. sentence
classification, and
comparison/contrast, concludin
and cause/effect; g
include formatting sentence.
(e.g.,
headings), graphics
(e.g., charts, tables),
and
multimedia when useful
to aiding
comprehension.

b. Develop the topic

with relevant facts,
definitions, concrete
details, quotations, or
other information and
examples.

Math Standards
General Standard Most Complexity Least

NA

Step 4

Activit Website Resources

http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/mnstep/activities/34972.html
y
Timeli http://education.usgs.gov/primary.html

ne http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/
science/eric/eric-1.htm
Week 1:
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002289/uses.html
Week 2:
http://natural-history.uoregon.edu/collections/web-
Week 3:
galleries/everyday-uses-rocks-and-minerals
Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

Week 7:

Week 8:

Week 9: