Unit Overview

Topic 1

Introduction to Rocks

Topic 2

Introduction to Minerals (Science in a Bag)

Topic 3

The Importance of Rocks and Minerals (The Mining Process)

Topic 4

Mining and Community in British Columbia

Topic 5

Three Types of Rocks (The Rock Cycle)

Topic 6

Introduction to History and Mining in British Columbia

Topic 7

Geography and Mining in British Columbia

Annotated Bibliography

Appendix

The K-3 Integrated Resource Unit: Kids and Rocks * was developed for use at the Kindergarten to Grade 3 levels with the intention of offering a thematically integrated study of rocks and minerals. It introduces the youngest learners to the complex study of geology through activities in all aspects of the curriculum.

The binder is divided into seven main Topics, each divided into smaller Sections. Each Section includes several BLMs for student activities, plus teacher information and references to help explore the topic in class. BC curriculum correlations for Kindergarten through Grade 3 for science, social studies, language arts, personal planning, history, geography, art, math, and music are cited in each Section. (You may download curriculum correlations reflecting 2005 IRPs for this resource unit.) A Bibliography cites teacher-recommended books and videos that are suitable for Primary students.

The kit includes: an instructional binder, colour photo cards, a support package with several posters, What's a Mine? colouring book, Rocks & Soils, Let's Go Rock Collecting, Gold Fever Trail and Mining Community: Elkford, BC (books), plus four rocks, one mineral, and a streak plate.

It is available to BC teachers only through an inservice workshop. French translations of the activity sheets in the K-3 binder are available to teachers who attend the workshop. The workshop is presented by two primary school teachers from the Burnaby School District.

Additions to K-3 Integrated Resource Unit: Kids and Rocks:

View and print the supplementary Safety unit which looks at how an exploration geologist follows safe practices and uses special equipment to ensure that she remains safe while working out "in the field". Also includes a series of downloadable images which supplement the themes of the unit.

View and print Underground Miners Dress for Safety - a colouring activity that explains the equipment underground miners use to stay safe at work!

View and print Introducing the Rock Cycle by Creating a Three-Dimensional Model

View and download the Mining Process Slides which visually shows the process of mining.

You can also download The Mining Process slides as a Power Point presentation.