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Year 3 Science Block 1

This unit of work enables children to compare and group rocks, learn about and create fossils and investigate soil.

Lessons are approximately 75 minutes long and should be taught in order. It is recommended that this is the first unit taught in Year 3, because the subject matter suits the Autumn weather and the concept of investigations at a Key Stage Two level are approached for the first time.

Year 3
Topic – Rocks and Soils

In this block of learning, you will cover the following lessons:

🌡️ Week 1: What can we see when we look at rocks?
🌡️ Week 2: How are rocks formed?
🌡️ Week 3: How are fossils formed?
🌡️ Week 4: What fossils have we found?
🌡️ Week 5: How can we investigate rocks?
🌡️ Week 6: How can we investigate soil?

Year 3 Science: Rocks and Soils

Introduce pupils to the fascinating world beneath their feet with our Year 3 Rocks and Soils science unit. Fully aligned with the KS2 science curriculum, this engaging scheme of work helps children explore different types of rocks, how fossils are formed, and what makes up soil. Each lesson supports working scientifically skills through practical investigations and structured enquiry.

What’s included?

Our Year 3 science resources are ready to use and designed to save you time, while ensuring high-quality science teaching:

  • Interactive animated slides for whole-class teaching
  • Differentiated science worksheets for varied ability levels
  • Knowledge organisers covering key concepts and vocabulary
  • Hands-on experiments and practical investigations
  • Age-appropriate science assessments to monitor progress

Scientific enquiry focus

This unit encourages children to think scientifically about rocks, soils, and fossil formation. Pupils will:

  • Compare and classify different types of rocks
  • Investigate how rocks are formed and how they change
  • Explore the fossilisation process and its significance
  • Examine and compare different types of soil
  • Use equipment to observe and gather evidence
  • Draw conclusions and record findings using scientific methods

Key learning outcomes

By the end of this Year 3 rocks and soils unit, pupils will be able to:

  • Identify and describe sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks
  • Explain how fossils are formed and what they can tell us
  • Investigate and compare the properties of soils
  • Present their findings using scientific language, diagrams, and tables

Lesson structure

Each lesson follows a consistent structure to support pupil engagement and progress:

  • Whole-class input – using engaging slides to introduce key ideas
  • Hands-on enquiry – practical activities and experiments
  • Independent tasks – differentiated challenges for all learners
  • Discussion and reflection – opportunities to share and explain findings

Investigating rocks, fossils, and soils

Pupils will take part in a variety of science investigations, such as:

  • Classifying and testing rocks based on appearance and hardness
  • Creating fossil imprints and discussing fossil formation
  • Observing erosion and weathering over time
  • Testing soil texture and permeability
  • Recording and interpreting data in tables and charts

Developing scientific vocabulary

This unit introduces and reinforces essential vocabulary, including:

  • Sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic
  • Fossil, erosion, weathering
  • Permeability, texture, organic matter

Flexible teaching and assessment

Ideal as the first science topic in Year 3, this unit introduces key enquiry skills. It can also be taught flexibly at any point during the year. Tasks are differentiated using a simple star system:

  • One star – for pupils working below age-related expectations
  • Two stars – for pupils working at the expected level
  • Three stars – for pupils exceeding expectations

Assessment opportunities include teacher observation, questioning, and end-of-unit tasks, helping you monitor progress with ease.

Why choose our Year 3 Rocks and Soils unit?

Our KS2 science scheme makes it easier to deliver engaging, high-quality science lessons without the workload. This unit includes:

  • Fully planned lessons aligned with the National Curriculum
  • Interactive resources and hands-on investigations
  • Clear progression and built-in assessment
  • Support for developing scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills

Perfect for teachers looking for Year 3 science lesson plans and Rocks and Soils activities that really engage the children.

FAQs

Is this Year 3 Rocks and Soils unit fully planned?
Yes – every lesson comes with step-by-step guidance, slides, worksheets, and assessment points to support effective delivery.

Does this scheme cover all National Curriculum objectives?
Absolutely. The unit is aligned with the KS2 science objectives for rocks, fossils, and soils, including working scientifically skills.

Are the worksheets differentiated?
Yes. Every lesson includes a three-level star system to support children working below, at, and above the expected level.

Can I adapt the lessons to suit my timetable?
Yes – this unit is designed to be flexible. You can teach it weekly or over a shorter block, depending on your termly plan.

Is there a free trial?
Yes. A free trial is available.