Texas TEKS K.10.A
The Standard
describe and classify rocks by the observable properties of size, shape, color, and texture
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students examine rocks closely and name features they can see or feel. They compare size, shape, color, and surface feel, then sort rocks and explain their rule.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can describe a rock using several accurate traits. The student can group a set of rocks, state the sorting rule, and sort them again using another rule.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may sort only by color or think rocks in one group must look exactly alike. They may confuse surface feel with shape or use vague words such as nice or weird.
How to Assess It
- Set out four numbered rocks. Ask each student to describe one rock with two observable traits, then group all four and state the sorting rule.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs six rocks, hand lenses, and sorting hoops; students sort once, explain the rule, then sort again using a new rule.
Ask, “How can two rocks look different but belong in the same group?” Record student claims and evidence on a class chart.
Play Mystery Rock: one student gives three observable clues while classmates identify the matching rock from a numbered tray.
Examine gravel, landscaping stones, or playground rocks, then decide which features would help choose rocks for a path or garden.
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Printable K.10.A Worksheet
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