Georgia SKE2.b
The Standard
Construct an argument supported by evidence for how rocks can be grouped by physical attributes (size, weight, texture, color).
Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science · Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe the physical attributes of earth materials (soil, rocks, water, and air).
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students sort rocks using one observable feature, such as size, weight, texture, or color. They explain their sorting rule and use a rock feature as evidence.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can place each rock into a group using a consistent rule. The student can explain a choice by naming a feature they observed or measured.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume larger rocks are always heavier or that rocks of one color feel the same. They may switch sorting rules halfway through or give preferences instead of evidence.
How to Assess It
- Give each student four rocks and say, “Make two groups. Tell your sorting rule and give one observation that supports where you placed a rock.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs six rocks, hand lenses, and a balance; students make two groups, label the sorting rule, and cite one example.
Ask, “Where should this rock go, and what can you observe that proves it?”; partners answer with a claim and evidence.
Play Rock Sort Relay: teams draw an attribute card, sort a rock tray, then explain one choice before earning a point.
Show playground gravel and landscaping stones; students identify why workers might choose rocks of a certain size, weight, texture, or color.
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Printable SKE2.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SKE2.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- S3E1.a
Ask questions and analyze data to classify rocks by their physical attributes (color, texture, luster, and hardness) using simple tests.
- SKL2.a
Construct an argument supported by evidence for how animals can be grouped according to their features.
- SKL2.b
Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants can be grouped according to their features.
- S6E5.c
Construct an explanation of how to classify rocks by their formation and how rocks change through geologic processes in the rock cycle.
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