Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Understand what rocks are and their importance in our daily lives.
2. Identify the different types of rocks - igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic - and their distinct characteristics.
3. Develop the ability to classify rocks based on their properties and formation processes.

Secondary Objectives:

• Familiarize students with terms and concepts related to rocks, such as mineral, magma, sedimentation, and metamorphism.
• Stimulate students' curiosity and interest in geology, highlighting the diversity and beauty of rocks.
• Promote active learning, allowing students to explore supporting materials and participate in classroom discussions.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Content Review: The teacher starts the lesson with a brief review of the concepts of matter and minerals, highlighting the difference between them. He may ask students what they remember about these concepts, encouraging active participation. (3 - 5 minutes)

2. Problem Situations: The teacher proposes two problem situations to arouse students' interest in the topic:

   • "Why are some rocks harder than others? For example, why is granite harder than sand?"
   • "Why do some mountains have sharp peaks while others have more rounded shapes?" (3 - 5 minutes)

3. Contextualization: The teacher then contextualizes the importance of studying rocks, explaining that they are the basis of many natural resources we use daily, such as oil, coal, and minerals in our cell phones and computers. Additionally, geology is essential for space exploration, earthquake prediction, and understanding climate change. (2 - 3 minutes)

4. Engaging Students' Attention: To capture students' attention, the teacher can share curiosities and stories related to rocks:

   • "Did you know that Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is formed by sedimentary and metamorphic rocks? They were pressed and heated over millions of years, transforming into the rock we see today."
   • "How about this curiosity: some rocks can glow in the dark! This is the case of the mineral called fluorite, which can be found in various colors and glows under ultraviolet light." (3 - 5 minutes)

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Theory - What are Rocks? (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher introduces the concept of rocks as natural aggregates formed by minerals or other materials. He emphasizes that rocks are solid and, although they can undergo changes over time, they are not produced by living organisms.
   • He also highlights that rocks are the foundation of the Earth's crust and that, through geological processes, they can be transformed from one type to another.
   • The teacher can use illustrations, models, or samples of real rocks to make the explanation more visual and tangible.

2. Theory - Types of Rocks: Igneous (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher presents the first type of rock, igneous rocks. He explains that these rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
   • He describes the two subtypes of igneous rocks: intrusive igneous rocks, which form below the Earth's surface and have large grains due to slow cooling, and extrusive igneous rocks, which form on the Earth's surface and have small grains due to rapid cooling.
   • The teacher can use images of erupting volcanoes or famous igneous rocks, such as basalt or granite, to illustrate the explanation.

3. Theory - Types of Rocks: Sedimentary (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher moves on to the second type of rock, sedimentary rocks. He explains that these rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments.
   • He describes the three main processes of sedimentary rock formation: the sedimentation of particles, their compaction under the weight of upper layers, and the cementation of sediments by dissolved minerals.
   • The teacher can use examples of sediments, such as sand, mud, or shells, to show how they accumulate and transform into rock over time.

4. Theory - Types of Rocks: Metamorphic (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher concludes the theory with the third type of rock, metamorphic rocks. He explains that these rocks are formed from other rocks that have been subjected to high temperatures and pressures, without reaching the melting point.
   • He describes how metamorphism alters the mineral composition and structure of rocks, creating new rocks with different characteristics from the original ones.
   • The teacher can use the analogy that metamorphism is like "cooking" rocks, transforming them into something new.

In each of these stages, the teacher should ensure that students understand the distinct characteristics of each type of rock, as well as the geological processes involved in their formation.

Return (8 - 10 minutes)

1. Connection to Reality (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher invites students to reflect on how the knowledge acquired in the lesson applies to the real world. He may ask questions like:
     1. "How can knowledge about the different types of rock be useful in everyday life?"
     2. "How can understanding how rocks form help us better understand the world around us?"
   • The teacher can provide examples of everyday situations that illustrate the importance of rocks. For instance, he may mention that the construction of buildings, road paving, and the manufacturing of objects like pots and cell phones depend on different types of rock.
   • He can also mention how geology helps understand natural phenomena, such as mountain formation, soil erosion, and the occurrence of earthquakes.

2. Reflection on Learning (3 - 4 minutes)

   • The teacher suggests that students reflect on what they learned in the lesson. He may ask questions like:
     1. "What was the most important concept you learned today?"
     2. "What questions have not been answered yet?"
     3. "How can you apply what you learned today in other situations or in other disciplines?"
   • The teacher encourages students to express their answers, either orally or in writing. He may ask students to share their reflections with the class, promoting idea exchange and collaborative learning.

3. Feedback and Closure (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher concludes the lesson by asking for feedback from students. He may inquire if they found the lesson interesting, if they understood the content well, and if they have any suggestions on how the lesson could be improved.
   • He thanks everyone for their participation and reinforces the importance of studying rocks for understanding our planet and various natural phenomena.
   • The teacher may suggest additional study materials, such as documentaries, geological websites, or visits to science museums.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summary of Contents (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher recaps the main points covered in the lesson, reaffirming the definition of rock as natural aggregates formed by minerals or other materials.
   • He recalls the three types of rock: igneous (formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava), sedimentary (formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments), and metamorphic (formed from the transformation of other rocks under high temperatures and pressures).
   • The teacher emphasizes the distinct characteristics of each type of rock and the geological processes involved in their formation.

2. Theory-Practice Connection (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher highlights how the lesson connected theory, through the explanation of geological concepts and processes, with practice, through the use of examples, images, and samples of real rocks.
   • He reinforces that theoretical understanding is essential for the correct classification of rocks and for the comprehension of many natural phenomena.

3. Additional Materials (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher suggests additional study and exploration materials for students who wish to deepen their knowledge on the subject. He may recommend books, websites, videos, geological museums, and even practical activities, such as observing rocks in a nearby park.
   • He may also indicate related topics that will be addressed in future classes, encouraging students to remain interested in the subject.

4. Relevance of the Subject (1 minute)

   • Finally, the teacher highlights the importance of studying rocks for understanding our planet and various natural phenomena.
   • He reminds students that rocks are the basis of many natural resources we use daily and that geology is essential for space exploration, earthquake prediction, and understanding climate change.
   • The teacher concludes the lesson by reinforcing the idea that by understanding rocks, we are actually unraveling the secrets of the Earth.