Bring Earth & Space Systems to life with this comprehensive, hands‑on Grade 4 science resource. Rocks, Minerals, & Geological Processes guides students through engaging lessons, experiments, and STEM investigations that build deep understanding of rock types, minerals, fossils, erosion, and the geological forces that shape our planet.

Includes teacher notes, success criteria, materials lists, differentiation strategies, and student‑ready worksheets. Each lesson follows the scientific method and supports inquiry‑based learning, making it ideal for classroom instruction, science centres, or whole‑unit planning.

What’s Inside

✔ 12 fully developed lessons

✔ Teacher notes for every activity

✔ Student worksheets (rock types, rock cycle, fossils, erosion, mining, Indigenous knowledge)

✔ Hands‑on experiments using everyday materials 

✔ STEM skills integrated throughout

✔ Assessment tools: Teacher Rubric + Student Self‑Assessment

✔ Designed for easy implementation and high student engagement

Ontario Curriculum Expectations Met

This resource directly supports Grade 4 Science – Earth & Space Systems: Rocks, Minerals, & Geological Processes from the 2022 Ontario Curriculum.

E1. Relating Science & Technology to Our Changing World

• E1.1 – Analyse ways geological processes impact society and the environment

• E1.2 – Assess social & environmental impacts of extracting, refining, manufacturing, recycling, and disposing of rocks and minerals

E2. Exploring & Understanding Concepts

• E2.1 – Explain geological processes that form igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks using the rock cycle

• E2.2 – Describe physical properties of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

• E2.3 – Classify rocks and minerals using tests and criteria

• E2.4 – Describe everyday uses of rocks and minerals

• E2.5 – Describe how fossils form and what they reveal about Earth’s history

• E2.6 – Demonstrate understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit geological knowledge in selecting rocks and minerals for specific purposes

Strand A: STEM Skills & Connections

• A1.1–A1.5 – Scientific research, experimentation, engineering design, safety procedures, and communication

• A3.1–A3.3 – Practical applications of science & technology, interdisciplinary connections, and contributions from diverse communities

Perfect For

✔ Classroom teachers

✔ Science specialists

✔ Homeschool educators

✔ Schools seeking curriculum‑aligned, ready‑to‑use resources

✔ Hands‑on, inquiry‑based science instruction

Why Teachers Love This Resource

This unit is structured, clear, and classroom‑ready. Teacher notes make planning effortless, while student worksheets promote independence and scientific thinking. The experiments are simple, engaging, and designed to help students see geological processes in action.