This lesson plan outlines an activity where students will learn about the three main types of rocks - sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Students will be split into expert groups based on rock type and research the characteristics and examples of their assigned rock. They will then reconvene to their original mixed groups and teach their peers about their findings. The goal is for students to become experts and teach each other in a jigsaw activity format.

1. By Chioma A. Umunakwe
3rd Grade Science Lesson
“ROCK HUNT JIGSAW ACTIVITY” LESSON PLAN

2. THREE KINDS OF ROCKS
 Sedimentary
 Igneous
 Metamorphic

3. SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
 Rock that has formed
from sediment, like
sand, mud, and small
pieces of rock.
 Over time, these
materials are
compressed to form
rock.
 Examples include
sandstone and shale

4. IGNEOUS ROCKS
 Igneous rocks are
formed from the lava
that erupts from
volcanoes, but can
form underground as
well
 This lava eventually
cools and forms a rock
 Some examples are
pumice, granite, and
obsidian

5. METAMORPHIC ROCKS
 Commonly known as
‘changing rocks’
because they change
from one form to
another
 Changes can result
from
heat, pressure, and
chemicals.
 Examples include
marble and slate

6. ON TO THE LESSON…
 This lesson will give the
learners the opportunity
to be the experts
 The students will form
five groups of three
people. Each person in
the group will get a
number (1-sedimentary,
2-igneous, or 3-
metamorphic).
 All the 1’s, 2’s, and 3’s
will work together to find
information about their
type of rock.

7. CONTINUING THE LESSON…
 Students will use this
website to gather
information in their
expert groups. They
will follow instructions
on the site to complete
the activity.
 Students will go back
to their original group
and present their
findings to their peers.

8. HAVE FUN!
 I can’t wait to see what you come up with!