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Activity (Hands-On)Grades 3 - 5

Solid Rock to Building Block

Materials List

Photograph of a three blocks of material.Example inexpensive activity materials (wax, clay, soap) representing various quarry rock types. Any similar materials can be used.

Each group needs:

  • 1 soap or wax block (~5 cm x 5 cm)
  • 1 clay block (~5 cm x 5 cm)
  • 1 foam block (~5 cm x 5 cm)
  • 1 Styrofoam block (~5 cm x 5 cm)
  • Wooden wedge (approximately the size of a typical doorstop [5 cm x 10 cm x 5 cm])
  • Balsa wood wedge (~3 cm x 3 cm x 6 cm)
  • Plastic wedge (~3 cm x 3 cm x 6 cm)
  • Styrofoam/foam wedge (~3 cm x 3 cm x 6 cm)
  • The Wedge Worksheet (PDF)

For the entire class to share:

  • A variety of demonstration wedges with different angles and materials. For example, a plastic knife, putty knife, table knife, metal screwdriver or chisel (and a small hammer to use with the chisel).
  • Some demonstration quarry material. For example, a half stick of cold margarine, a brick, etc.

Photograph of three triangular-shaped items.Example activity wedge materials. Any similar materials can be used; these are a few inexpensive options. The material and sharpness should be different for each wedge.