Sedimentary Rocks: Series Of Processes

The second unannounced observation lesson topic was How do sedimentary rocks form? The lesson focused on the following three lesson objectives: The objectives were measurable and challenging for the students. The challenging objectives help push the students to work hard and reach the expectations that are set for them.

Determine that sedimentary rocks are formed through a series of processes, by identifying the 5 processes: erosion, deposition, compaction and cementation.


Analyze the three major groups of sedimentary rocks: clastic, organic and chemical rocks and determine which type of sedimentary rock each is, through examining the physical characteristics of the sample rocks.

Collect and record observations on the sedimentary rock,

This consisted of reviewing the different concepts in the prior lab, such as the types of igneous rocks and how these rocks were formed. This helped the students review key vocabulary and concepts that would help when learning about sedimentary rocks. The start of the lesson on sedimentary rocks began with the students and I reading and highlighting a worksheet that focused on the three types of sedimentary rocks and how the 5 process on how the rocks form. The reading and highlighting helped students identify the major concepts that would be discussed through out the lesson. The highlighting helped the students stay engaged through the reading and helped develop questions and class discussion. The handout was projected on the board and after the students read, I would then show them on the board where to highlight and restating what we had just read. The handout would help students with the second part of the lesson when the students had to identify the different sedimentary rocks and help with small group discussion. The students were aware of the expectations of them during the small group work, such as handling the materials and getting work done. The students were able to meet the expectations of the lesson and accomplish the lesson

The data table was broke down into four categories. The student had to make observations, predict what group of sedimentary rock it is, then as a whole group we would discuss the last two columns, identifying what type of sedimentary rock it was and the name specific name of the rock. The students were confused on the second column of the data chart. The students didn't know if they had to identify the group or the type of rock. As I was walking about the room and noticed the confusion, I went over to the board where the data table was projected and clarified to the class to identify the group of sedimentary rock not the type. I put the three groups onto the board: clastic, organic and chemical for the students to clarify. If this lesson was to be done over I would have identified this component first to help students better