The Pebble In My Pocket - Rocks and Soils

Pebble In My Pocket by Meredith Hooper  is a picture book  aimed at older primary children. It tells the dynamic story of rock formation; showing  the reader the  processes that the pebble goes through from its beginnings in a fiery volcano 480 million years ago - how it is moulded by fire, then shaped by erosion. The reader follows this journey right through to the moment it is picked up and placed into someone’s pocket. The beautiful illustrations give us not only the story of the pebble but of evolution too – giving the reader an indication of both time passing and setting the pebble into a much wider context. The story provides the perfect setting for :

  • comparing and grouping together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
  • describe in simple terms how fossils are formed when things that have lived are trapped within rock
  • recognise that soils are made from rocks and organic matter

As a parallel to the book, as the pebble is shaped over time, the pupils could explore how water shapes the landscape through erosion. There are lots of mathematical opportunties exploring the passing of time over the millenia. At the back of the book is a fantastic timeline linking the geological periods with periods of evolution.

Scientific Vocabulary: Rock,stone, pebble, boulder, soil, fossils, grains, crystals, hard/soft, texture, absorb, permeable,marble, chalk, granite, sandstone, slate, sandy, soil, clay, peat
Other fiction books  with a similar theme:

Pebble: A Story about Belonging – Susan Milord

Fossils

Quality AssuredCategory:SciencePublisher:Primary Evolution

This video presented by Professor Alice Roberts is full of useful information for teachers planning work around fossils. The animation explains how an ammonite becomes fossilised over time. Plus practical ideas for the classroom

Rocks: rocks and fossils

Quality AssuredCategory:SciencePublisher:Hamilton Trust

Within this unit by Hamilton Trust there lies lots of practical advice for studying rocks. The children could use the tips such as the scratch test and the guidance for observing rocks to decide which type of rock the pebble in their pocket is. Is it an igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rock?

Education Pack: Soil and Earthworms - Worm Survey

Quality AssuredCategory:MathematicsPublisher:Open Air Laboratories (OPAL)

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is a UK-wide citizen science initiative that allows you to get hands-on with nature, whatever your age, background or level of ability. Your contribution is important in helping scientists build up a picture of the UK's natural environment.This survey explores the health of our soils. To get started simply follow the simple survey instructions and straightforward ID guides.

The children will look closely at the soils within your school grounds. Measuring its pH, look closely at the soil composition and identify the soil type. After that they will charm the worms to the surface, identify their species  and do a count. They then upload your data to contribute to building up the national picture about the natural world.

 

What on Earth?

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:British Science Association

This resource by the British Science Association looks at Earth Science. With strong emphasis  on STEM - the children are encouraged to become farmers. They are asked to think about soil - its composition. Breaking down soil into its four main parts - air, water, organic matter and minerals - the children look closely, analysing the soil in terms of its porosity, particle sizes, texture, colour and acidity.  The children could then utilise this learning when considering how they might improve the soil in their school gardens. 

Next the children are asked to take on the role of palaeontologists looking at fossil evidence, piecing fossils together. These activities are great for nurturing children's observational skills.