Teach rocks and soils in Year 3 with a structured six-lesson unit exploring rock types, fossil formation and soil composition. Aligned with the National Curriculum, this unit supports pupils in comparing rocks, understanding how fossils are formed and recognising how soils are created from rocks and organic matter.
Through practical investigations and observation, pupils classify rocks based on their properties, explore how fossils provide evidence of life in the past and investigate different types of soil. They develop confidence using scientific vocabulary while building enquiry skills through observation, testing and recording. Download the unit overview to see how learning is sequenced across the six lessons.
Looking for more units? Explore the Year 3 science scheme.
Rocks
Fossils
Soils
Working scientifically
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.
