Mrs Mactivity

Year 3 Science Block 1: Rocks and Soils

Year 3 science – Rocks and soils

This Year 3 rocks and soils unit helps pupils investigate different types of rocks, discover how fossils are formed and explore the composition of soil through practical scientific enquiry. Across six engaging lessons, pupils compare rock properties, examine evidence from fossils and develop understanding of how rocks and soils are connected.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, the unit encourages pupils to identify and compare rocks based on their appearance and physical properties, understand how fossils provide evidence of life from millions of years ago and investigate how soil is formed. Through observation, classification and practical investigations, pupils develop confidence using scientific vocabulary and evidence-based reasoning.

Part of our comprehensive Scintillating Science scheme, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets, practical investigations and assessment materials to support engaging Year 3 science lessons.

Looking for the full Year 3 science curriculum?

Visit our main Year 3 science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.

View Year 3 science

Year 3 rocks and soils lesson plans and worksheets

This Year 3 rocks and soils unit includes six fully planned lessons, along with a knowledge organiser and assessment materials to support teaching and tracking pupil progress. It covers the Year 3 rocks National Curriculum objectives while helping pupils understand rock types, fossil formation and soil composition.

The unit includes worksheets, hands-on activities and practical scientific enquiry, allowing pupils to classify rocks, explore fossils and investigate soil properties. It is ideal for teachers looking for Year 3 rocks lesson plans, fossils activities Year 3 and structured Year 3 science lessons.

Pupils develop confidence using scientific vocabulary such as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic, while building enquiry skills through observation, testing and recording results.

What’s included?

  • Six fully planned science lessons
  • Interactive teaching slides for whole-class teaching
  • Differentiated Year 3 rocks worksheets
  • Knowledge organiser to support key vocabulary
  • Practical investigations exploring rocks and soils
  • Assessment materials to support tracking pupil progress

Working scientifically in Year 3

  • Observe and compare rocks and soils
  • Ask relevant scientific questions
  • Carry out simple investigations
  • Use observations to explain findings
  • Record results using tables, diagrams and labelled drawings

Key learning outcomes

  • Compare and group rocks based on properties
  • Explain how fossils are formed
  • Describe how soils are created
  • Use scientific vocabulary to explain observations

Why choose this Year 3 rocks and soils unit?

  • Aligned with the National Curriculum for KS2 science
  • Clear progression of knowledge and enquiry skills
  • Practical investigations linked to real-world science
  • Differentiated tasks to support mixed ability classes
  • Suitable for flexible use across KS2

This unit forms part of our wider Scintillating Science scheme. Explore the full Year 3 science scheme for curriculum progression and additional science units, or browse our complete KS2 science scheme for Year 3 to Year 6 science planning and resources.