Each pet rock will have its own shape and color.
Make science lessons a delight for young students by creating a series of lessons and projects around pet rocks. Start out by having students find a decent-sized rock that they can paint or decorate. Encourage them to name their pet rock and keep it on their desk throughout the unit. You could even incorporate some interdisciplinary projects by having them write stories about their pet rocks once the science projects are done.
Rock Introduction
After all the students have a rock, have them create a paper describing their rocks in scientific terms. They should identify whether the rock is igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. The introduction should name the rock, the rock's type and give a basic description of it. The body of the paper should address how the rock forms in nature, the rock's mineral composition, the rock's texture, the rock's origin and the rock's grain size, shape and pattern.
Taking a Bath
Have students bring their rocks to a sink full of water. Have them describe in a short paragraph what their rocks look like when dry. Then have them immerse their rocks in water and write another paragraph about what they look like under water. Have them discuss whether the rocks' appearance and colors have changed. Then have them scrub the rocks with a wire brush and dry them. Have them write a third paragraph about what the rocks look like after being scrubbed.
Pet Rock Weather Forecast
Ask students to predict how their pet rocks would be affected by weather and changes in temperature. This experiment will work especially well if different students have different kinds of rocks. Have the class create a chart on which one column lists all the pet rocks by name and type. Then have them predict what they think will happen when their rocks are frozen and thawed several times. Then place all the rocks in a plastic bottle and cover them with water. Put the bottle in the freezer and let the water freeze. After they have frozen, take them out and let them thaw until the ice completely melts. Repeat this five times. Let everyone claim their pet rocks and examine them closely. Have each child record how her rock has changed and whether any particles have broken off. Discuss which types of rocks experienced more change than others. Discuss what extreme temperature changes might do to a mountain or a beach.
Look at My Rock
Tell students that they're going to get to know their pet rocks a little better. Have them record characteristics of their rock that they're able to collect using their five senses. Then have students look at their rocks using magnifying glasses and record any additional details they are able to notice about their rocks. Then introduce a microscope and demonstrate use it. Give each child a chance to examine his rock using the microscope and record any additional details he notices.
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