Show children how magma moves and makes rocks. Show students a tube of toothpaste. Magma is a thick liquid that moves similarly to toothpaste. Remove some of the toothpaste from the tube and put the cap back on. Ask children to pretend that the toothpaste is magma. Let the first graders feel the toothpaste within the tube. Ask them to move all the paste to one end of the tube. Poke a hole in a tube with a pin. Show children how magma pours out of weak spots in the earth and rock by pressing on the toothpaste until it comes out of the hole.
Limestone is a common sedimentary rock that is formed from sea shells in the ocean and contains high levels of calcium. Provide first grade students with a sampling of various rocks and some vinegar. Have students pour the vinegar over the individual rocks. When vinegar hits calcium it makes carbon dioxide bubbles. Have students record their observations and determine which rocks contain limestone.
Teach kids about the layers in sedimentary rock by engaging them in the simple project of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Have samples of sedimentary rocks to show children. Then have kids put a layer of butter, then peanut butter, then jelly onto a piece of bread. Discuss how the layers are similar to the layers of sedimentary rocks.
Provide students with a variety of rocks. Include rocks of varying shapes, colors, textures and consistencies. Some rocks to include are pumice and granite. Provide children with magnifying glasses and a journal. Have students draw pictures of the rocks and make observations as to what the rock looks like through the magnifying glass.
Consider having first grade students gather their own rocks. Ask them to bring in a few rocks that they have found around their homes. Discuss the rocks and provide reference books so the children can try to identify the rocks they have brought in.