Rocks & Minerals: Properties, Rock Cycle, Classification & Groups Unit | MS Earth Science

Click here to download preview of Rocks and Minerals unit.

This unit is included in the Earth Science Curriculum 5E Model.

Teach mineral properties, mineral formation, rock classification, and the full rock cycle with this comprehensive Rocks and Minerals Unit designed for middle school Earth science.

This complete resource includes full lessons, notes, interactive notebooks, labs, quizzes, stations, word walls, task cards, QR codes, and assessments—everything you need for a zero-prep, high-engagement geology unit.

Perfect for grades 6–8, this unit helps students identify minerals, classify rocks, understand igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes, and explore how Earth's materials change over time.

Aligned to NGSS Middle School Earth Science (MS-ESS2) for Earth materials, mineral properties, and the cycling of rocks.

⭐ What’s Included

• PowerPoints for:
  • Properties of Minerals
  • Mineral Formation
  • Classifying Rocks
  • Rock Groups (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic)
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook Activities (print + digital)
• Mini-Quizzes + Digital Assessments
• Teacher Demo: Sweet Rock Cycle
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Abrasive Materials
• Science Stations (STEM Challenge Included)
• Task Cards (print + digital)
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• Word Wall in English & Spanish
• QR Codes for students to access a free online textbook
• 10-day pacing guide
• Answer keys for all components

⭐ Key Concepts Covered

• Mineral identification (luster, color, streak, hardness, density)
• Crystal structure & mineral formation processes
• Differences between rocks and minerals
• Igneous rock formation (intrusive & extrusive)
• Sedimentary rock formation (weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation)
• Metamorphic rock formation (heat & pressure)
• Rock cycle modeling
• Using properties to classify and sort Earth materials
• Real-world uses of rocks & minerals

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Unit

• Hands-on mineral testing & rock cycle modeling
• Clear visuals simplify identifying and classifying rocks
• The Sweet Rock Cycle demo is a student favorite
• Word Wall (English + Spanish) strengthens vocabulary retention
• QR codes give students quick access to reference material
• Zero prep — lessons, labs, stations, and assessments all included

⭐ Ideal For

• Middle school Earth science
• Geology & Earth materials units
• Rock classification and mineral identification
• NGSS MS-ESS2
• Interactive notebook classrooms
• Station-based or blended learning

⭐ Suggested Pacing Guide – Rocks & Minerals (10 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – Sweet Rock Cycle; Section 1 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 2: Section 1 Mini-Quiz; Section 2 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 3: Section 2 Mini-Quiz; Guided Inquiry Lab – Abrasive Materials
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Section 4 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 6: Section 4 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 7: Science Stations
Day 8: Creation Station Final Draft + Testing
Day 9: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 10: Chapter Assessment

Copyright © NGS Magnified, LLC. All rights reserved by author Dr. Erica Colón.  All NGS Magnified curriculum is creative property of Erica Colón and cannot be resold or distributed.  This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.