Rocks, Relics and Rumbles
Year 3
Unit Overview
In the Rocks, Relics and Rumbles project, your child will learn about the different layers of the Earth, including plate tectonics and their potential effects on the Earth's surface. They will investigate different types of rock to learn about their uses and properties. They will also investigate soil and fossils, including learning about the work of Mary Anning. They will have the opportunity to use maps to learn about the lines of latitude and longitude and a compass to learn about the cardinal and intercardinal points. They will also learn about volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis and the long and short-term consequences that these can have.
❇ MEMORABLE MOMENT
️✏️ WRITING OPPORTUNITIES
We will create our own rock buffet menu with how each rock has been made.
🌳 LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
In this unit of work we will explore how different rocks are used, e.g. chalk, slate.
🏁 BIG FINISH
Groups will create a working model volcano, labelling the different parts. We will then take part in a quiz all about what we have learnt.
📖 FOCUS TEXT(S)
The class will be introduced to The Firework Maker's daughter by Philip Pullman.
Unit Sequence: Learning Intentions
Name and describe properties of the Earth’s four layers. Look at a cross section of the earth and the composition of the layers, e.g. molten rock.
Retrieval - Label continents and oceans. Main - Describe and understand key aspects of: physical geography, including: volcanoes. Describe the activity of plate tectonics and how this has changed the Earth’s surface over time (continental drift). Explore The Ring of Fire.
Main -Describe and understand key aspects of: physical geography, including: volcanoes and earthquakes, Describe the parts of a volcano.
Retrieval - 4 point compass. Main -use the eight points of a compass. - label 8 points on a compass and use imaginary map to locate features. Use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied . Identify the position and significance of latitude & longitude, Using the lines of latitude and longitude locate volcanoes around the world.-
Retrieval - European countries. Main - As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, Describe how a significant geographical activity has changed a landscape in the short or long term. Look at human settlements near volcanoes -positives (tourism, rich soil) and negatives (danger).
IF TIME - Explain the cause and effect of a significant historical event. (History)