Fifth grade geologist will learn about Earth's many systems beginning with the Rock Cycle. Student will then identify the characteristics of the geosphere or the solid portions of the earth. Soil and rock observations will permit students to carefully identify the components of soil. Our geologists will conduct a survey to determine the proportion of land and water on the surface of the planet Earth. Lastly, students will engage in a conservation activity simulating an oil spill.
What You Can Do at Home
Activities
Make a soil profile near your home. Get a small shovel or large spoon--something for scooping dirt. Have your child choose
the location. Ask your child to make the following predictions. Will there be a rich layer of topsoil that supports plants? How
deep will the layer of topsoil be? What is the second layer like, beneath the top soil?
Point out to your child any living things you see growing above the ground or in the soil you are profiling. Collect a sample from the topsoil and a sample from the second layer. At home, spread a newspaper on a table and put each sample in a pile. Your child can use a spoon or tweezers to examine the soil, and look for fragments of rocks and plant and animal life. Ask your child to describe what he or she finds. Finally, your child can explain how the soil profile relates to the kinds of life, or lack of life, found within it. Together with your child think of another place near your home where the soil profile may be very different. Ask why the soil would be different in that location. Encourage your child to make a soil profile at the second location.© Scott Foresman 6
Websites
Scholastic Studyjams: Rock Cycle
Learn how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock are repeatedly changing on Earth.
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/rocks-minerals-landforms/rock-cycle.htm
Scholastic Studyjams: Earth's Oceans
Learn how oceans contain 97% of the Earth's water and is the home of thousands of species of animals.
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/weather-and-climate/earths-oceans.htm
Children of the Earth: Ask the Worm-Fun Facts About Soil
Read the questions and answers to learn more about what soil is made of.
http://www.childrenoftheearth.org/soil-facts-for-kids/soil-facts-for-kids-intro.htm
Suggested Reading
Planet Earth! A Kids Book About Planet Earth - Fun Facts & Pictures About Our Oceans, Mountains, Rivers, Deserts, Endangered
Species & More (eBooks Kids Space 2) by Alexander G. Michaels. This book is filled with wonderful photographs and factual information about Earth.
The Everything Kids' Environment Book: Learn how you can help the environment-by getting involved at school, at home, or at play by Sheri Amsel. Read about the different things that you can do to protect that planet.
What You Can Do at Home
Activities
Make a soil profile near your home. Get a small shovel or large spoon--something for scooping dirt. Have your child choose
the location. Ask your child to make the following predictions. Will there be a rich layer of topsoil that supports plants? How
deep will the layer of topsoil be? What is the second layer like, beneath the top soil?
Point out to your child any living things you see growing above the ground or in the soil you are profiling. Collect a sample from the topsoil and a sample from the second layer. At home, spread a newspaper on a table and put each sample in a pile. Your child can use a spoon or tweezers to examine the soil, and look for fragments of rocks and plant and animal life. Ask your child to describe what he or she finds. Finally, your child can explain how the soil profile relates to the kinds of life, or lack of life, found within it. Together with your child think of another place near your home where the soil profile may be very different. Ask why the soil would be different in that location. Encourage your child to make a soil profile at the second location.© Scott Foresman 6
Websites
Scholastic Studyjams: Rock Cycle
Learn how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock are repeatedly changing on Earth.
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/rocks-minerals-landforms/rock-cycle.htm
Scholastic Studyjams: Earth's Oceans
Learn how oceans contain 97% of the Earth's water and is the home of thousands of species of animals.
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/weather-and-climate/earths-oceans.htm
Children of the Earth: Ask the Worm-Fun Facts About Soil
Read the questions and answers to learn more about what soil is made of.
http://www.childrenoftheearth.org/soil-facts-for-kids/soil-facts-for-kids-intro.htm
Suggested Reading
Planet Earth! A Kids Book About Planet Earth - Fun Facts & Pictures About Our Oceans, Mountains, Rivers, Deserts, Endangered
Species & More (eBooks Kids Space 2) by Alexander G. Michaels. This book is filled with wonderful photographs and factual information about Earth.
The Everything Kids' Environment Book: Learn how you can help the environment-by getting involved at school, at home, or at play by Sheri Amsel. Read about the different things that you can do to protect that planet.