The Minnesota River Valley Rocks!: An outdoor observational investigation in the landscape and rocks along the MN River Valley
Summary
In this investigation, students will observe, record and compare the differing landscapes and rocks located at 3 sites along the MN River Valley. In follow-up class sessions, large group discussions will occur, then student generation of investigable questions and finally student-generated studies. A Simple Write-up will be required for students to submit at the completion of the study. A mapping activity will also be completed by student groups.
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Learning Goals
This investigation is designed for students to describe and compare the land surfaces and rocks by using qualitative and quantitative observations. The key concepts from this investigation are 1.) landscapes differ along a river valley and 2.) many processes are responsible for these differences.
A few vocabulary words students will encounter in this investigation are relief, topography, watershed, flood plain, sandstone, and metamorphism.
A few vocabulary words students will encounter in this investigation are relief, topography, watershed, flood plain, sandstone, and metamorphism.
Context for Use
This outdoor investigation is designed for 5 sections of 8th grade earth science students in a junior high school. All students on one learning team, approximately 120, will participate along with 10-12 school staff and 15-20 volunteer chaperones. Students will be transported on 3 school buses and each bus will be traveling to the 3 sites at different times throughout one school day. Students will be assigned to groups within their science classes and will work individually and with their groups. In preparation, class activities are designed to focus on observation and data gathering skills. This investigation is scheduled for the 5th week of the school year.
Description and Teaching Materials
The MN River flows through our town, but is not close to our school, so a day-long outdoor investigation provides an opportunity for 8th graders to observe differing topography within a 30 mile stretch of the MN River Valley. Since this investigation is scheduled for the 5th week of the school year and is the introduction for the 2nd unit of study, very little earth science content has been covered.
The first unit of study focuses on inquiry methods. Several lessons help students explore science skills: observing and describing, estimating and measuring, data collection and organization. These skills are explored in the classroom, laboratory, and outdoors around the school building.
In this outdoor investigation, students visit 3 sites found in the MN River Valley. There is not a particular order for the site visits, because only one bus can visit at one time. The locations are Minneopa State Park, the New Ulm Quartzite Quarry, and the Putting Green-an environmental mini-golf course. Because of the inquiry-based approach, students will be given very little background information regarding what they are observing. The goal of the experience is for the students to "wander" and "wonder" and record these observations and wonderings in their journals. Flandrau State Park is another stop in the day, but this is for lunch and team building activities. It is found along the banks of the Cottonwood River, which is part of the MN River Watershed.
Each site allows for a slightly different experience. At Minneopa State Park, students will be visiting two areas - one overlooks the Glacial River Warren/MN River Valley and the other provides a waterfall and Minneopa Creek view. Visiting the New Ulm Quartzite Quarry is an opportunity to see a working mine site and Precambrian metamorphic rocks. The last site is the Putting Green-built on an old dump site situated on the banks of the MN River. Here, students will be walking along the River Trail to observe the landscape. They will also complete a round of mini golf. The course is designed to engage people in fun and meaningful experiences that will increase awareness of important environmental issues, encourage informed decision-making, and inspire the adoption of sustainable practices.
Each student will record both their individual observations and the group's. Students will be required to use their journals (created in class) and pencils, and encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras. Each site observation will be a timed activity. After the time has expired, the student groups will gather as two larger groups and synthesize the observations. Each small group will share an observation and all will be written on poster boards for later use in the classroom.
In follow-up class sessions, students will participate in large group discussions, generate investigable questions and design studies for further investigation. A Simple Write-up will be required at the completion of the study. A mapping activity will also be completed.
The first unit of study focuses on inquiry methods. Several lessons help students explore science skills: observing and describing, estimating and measuring, data collection and organization. These skills are explored in the classroom, laboratory, and outdoors around the school building.
In this outdoor investigation, students visit 3 sites found in the MN River Valley. There is not a particular order for the site visits, because only one bus can visit at one time. The locations are Minneopa State Park, the New Ulm Quartzite Quarry, and the Putting Green-an environmental mini-golf course. Because of the inquiry-based approach, students will be given very little background information regarding what they are observing. The goal of the experience is for the students to "wander" and "wonder" and record these observations and wonderings in their journals. Flandrau State Park is another stop in the day, but this is for lunch and team building activities. It is found along the banks of the Cottonwood River, which is part of the MN River Watershed.
Each site allows for a slightly different experience. At Minneopa State Park, students will be visiting two areas - one overlooks the Glacial River Warren/MN River Valley and the other provides a waterfall and Minneopa Creek view. Visiting the New Ulm Quartzite Quarry is an opportunity to see a working mine site and Precambrian metamorphic rocks. The last site is the Putting Green-built on an old dump site situated on the banks of the MN River. Here, students will be walking along the River Trail to observe the landscape. They will also complete a round of mini golf. The course is designed to engage people in fun and meaningful experiences that will increase awareness of important environmental issues, encourage informed decision-making, and inspire the adoption of sustainable practices.
Each student will record both their individual observations and the group's. Students will be required to use their journals (created in class) and pencils, and encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras. Each site observation will be a timed activity. After the time has expired, the student groups will gather as two larger groups and synthesize the observations. Each small group will share an observation and all will be written on poster boards for later use in the classroom.
In follow-up class sessions, students will participate in large group discussions, generate investigable questions and design studies for further investigation. A Simple Write-up will be required at the completion of the study. A mapping activity will also be completed.
Teaching Notes and Tips
It is imperative that small groups, 3-4 students, work with a chaperone to have the most beneficial experience. Because there is no "tour" at any site, the chaperones need detailed directions on each site. One chaperone in charge of each bus should assist the bus driver and give general directions prior to unloading.
This investigation has been revised from other year's field trips. The changes should help with monitoring and making it a more educational experience. Assigning student groups within the class should work better in the follow-up that is planned for class discussion. Re-grouping and creating posters for further investigation will give closure, an opportunity to summarize and allow students to see what they maybe overlooked. Chaperones working with each group will assist if students have questions or need redirection.
This investigation has been revised from other year's field trips. The changes should help with monitoring and making it a more educational experience. Assigning student groups within the class should work better in the follow-up that is planned for class discussion. Re-grouping and creating posters for further investigation will give closure, an opportunity to summarize and allow students to see what they maybe overlooked. Chaperones working with each group will assist if students have questions or need redirection.
Assessment
Individual student journals will be checked after the completion of the outdoor investigation. A Simple Write-up will be required for students to submit. A mapping activity will also be completed by students for individual scoring purposes.
Standards
The standards supported by this outdoor investigation are:
8.III.A.2-slow and rapid Earth processes cause surface changes
8.III.A.5-surface processes affect Earth's history
8.III.A.2-slow and rapid Earth processes cause surface changes
8.III.A.5-surface processes affect Earth's history