Year 3 Science

Rocks, Fossils and Soil

Project Overview

In year 3 this half term we have been learning all about rocks, fossils and soil formations. The children became Petrologists and Palaeontologists throughout this unit to support their learning.  The children began by classifying and grouping different types of rocks based on their appearance and simple properties. The children used magnifying glasses to thoroughly examine the rocks to help sort them.  The children learnt the formation of the 3 rocks and how their rock cycle links.

They then studied different fossils and understood how they are formed. The children were excited to learn that once an animal dies the soft parts of the body decomposes leaving behind it’s skeleton. This becomes buried by small particles of rock called sediment before minerals in the water replace the bone making a replica of the original bone. The children even had a chance to create their own fossil imprints out of clay.

Finally, the children researched different soil types and how soil is formed. The children were shocked to find out that the earth would not survive without soil.

What The Student Says

“I love Science. I like doing experiments and playing with rocks and fossils.”- Year 3 child.

”I know igneous rocks are made when lava cools down.”- Year 3 child.

”I loved going caving and going on our school trip. It was amazing!.”- Year 3 child.

 

What skills were developed?

The children have:

  • developed their communication and language skills
  • developed their observational skills 
  • made predictions
  • compare and group together different rocks based on their appearance and simple properties
  • to know how Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentory rocks are formed
  • describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that lived are trapped in rocks
  • recognise that soils are made from rocks, minerals and organic matter
  • developed the ability to talk about changes made 

What The Teacher Says

Over the last half term I have loved seeing how engaged the children have been in their learning. The children thoroughly enjoyed doing experiments this half term- testing the hardness and acidity of a rock being their favourite.

To end a fantastic unit the children went caving in Stump Cross Caverns, it was amazing to see the knowledge learnt throughout this unit being explored down in the caves.

– Miss Crowther, 3EC Class Teacher

What The Student Says

What knowledge and skills have been developed?

What the Teacher says

Privacy Policy

We regard your privacy as important and any personal information you give to us will be used in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the General Data Protection Regulations.

We do not store personal information about individuals who visit this site except where they provide contact information via our contact us page and contact forms available on various pages throughout the website.

Any information you provide will only be used for the reasons specified and it will not be shared with any third party without your consent, unless required by law.

Your contact details are kept securely and are only accessed by authorised members of staff as part of the provision of school services. If you do not wish us to keep this contact information please tell us.

This website uses Google Analytics which provides statistical data about the usage of the site. This information is not used to identify individuals, but is collected to provide us with an understanding of the areas of interest on our site and how our site is being used.

If you are connected to the internet you will have an IP Address. This may take the form of a figure, such as 333.333.22.1. The address will be automatically collected and logged as part of the connection of your computer to our web server and may be used to determine the total number of visits to each part of the site. This data is not collected and used for other purposes.

This website contains links to other websites. The School is not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites or organisations and recommends you consult the privacy information on those sites.

This policy will be reviewed and updated versions will be posted on the website.

If you have any questions about the use of your personal information, the Information Commissioner is the independent regulator for both Data Protection and Freedom of Information.