Inquiry Lesson on Rocks and Minerals

Shelley Eckart D’Arcy School Grade Four - Combined Class of Grades 4-6 

Science - Unit 4 Rocks and Minerals and Erosion Outcomes: 

RM4.2 - Assess how human uses of rocks and minerals impact self, society, and the environment. 

RM4.2a - Discuss ways in which people of different cultures value, respect, and use rocks and minerals, including First Nations and Metis connections to Mother Earth. 

RM4.2f – identify locations where minerals, including potash, sodium sulphate, salt, kaolin, uranium, copper, coal, diamond, and gold, are extracted in Saskatchewan. 

RM4.2g - Discuss the economic benefits associated with mineral extraction and refining, including related careers, in Saskatchewan. 

Summary of Artifact I have decided to use the Inquiry process in my unit on rocks and minerals. Since my students are familiar with the inquiry process and I have already had some success with this style of teaching and learning, I have decided to use a blended inquiry. It was be a blend of open and guided inquiry where I was able to assist students as needed although they had the freedom of posing their own questions and also had the freedom to choose their own form of formal assessment such as a written paper, a poster with an oral presentation, or a Power Point presentation. I allowed the students to pose their own question in the hope of sparking their curiosity and sense of wonder.