Chapter Graphic : Rocks
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  Level: Year 4 and year 8
Approach: One to one
Focus: Describe, differentiate and suggest human uses for different rocks.
48k
Resources: Hand lens, 3 rocks — sandstone, greenstone, pumice.

Questions / instructions:
Put 3 rocks in front of student.
In this activity we will be looking at some rocks found in New Zealand. You can pick them up. Use the hand lens to have a really good look at them.
Give the student the hand lens. Allow time for student to examine all 3 rocks.
     
% responses
y4
y8
1. Now we'll talk about each rock, starting with rock 1 [sandstone]. Try to tell me all of the things that you have noticed about this rock?
A
A
2. How is this rock different from other rocks?
A
A
AA Sandstone:
layered
56
60
A
light brown/yellow
31
39
gritty/sandy
47
22
3. Some rocks are used by people. What might this rock be used for?
A
A
AA A
abrasive
10
12
decorative use
19
22
Show rock 2: greenstone.
A
A
4. Now look at the rock labelled 2. Tell me all the things that you noticed about this rock?
A
A
5. How is this rock different from other rocks?
A
A
A Greenstone:
very hard
9
7
A
green, smooth
86
84
beautiful when polished
55
A
great cultural significance to Mäori
8
10
6. Some rocks are used by people. What might this rock be used for?
A
A
A A
jewellery, ornaments
72
89
weapons (mainly ceremonial now)
6
17
cutting tool
4
6
status, 'mana'
1
1
Show rock 3: pumice.
A
A
7. Now look at the rock labelled 3. Try to tell me all the things that you noticed about this rock?
A
A
8. How is this rock different from other rocks?
A
A
A Pumice:
very light, full of air holes
86
86
A
very rough, gritty
30
29
abrasive
34
46
9. Some rocks are used by people. What might this rock be used for?
A
A
A A
gardening/ gardening materials
6
5
Commentary:
Year 4 and year 8 students performed quite similarly on this task.
 
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