Investigating the rate of weathering on various rock types.
Summary
In this Earth Science field investigation, students will make observations of the rock above and below the Minneopa State Park waterfalls. Students will then make observations of gravestones at Minneopa Cemetery. Through these observations students will form investigable questions about the effect of weathering on different rock types.
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Learning Goals
Students will gain an understanding of chemical and mechanical forms of weathering. Students will determine a relationship between time and the degree of weathering that has occurred. Students will analyze the types of stone used for gravestones. Students will learn that there is a relationship between climate and rate of weathering. Students will review vocabulary words used in the rock cycle and will learn new vocabulary words (mechanical weathering & chemical weathering).
Context for Use
Students should have an understanding of the rock cycle, rock types and how rocks are classified before taking part in this investigation. It will serve as an introduction to our weathering and erosion unit. We will travel as a trail of 150 students to our two sites of interest. This will be a full day field investigation taking a total of 5 hours including transportation and lunch-time.
Materials:
-Clipboards
-Notebooks
-Colored pencils
-Rock identification books.
Most of this activity could be implemented at any local cemetery, it is not imperative that you visit a waterfall as well.
Description and Teaching Materials
Students should have an understanding of the rock cycle, rock types and how rocks are classified before taking part in this investigation. It will serve as an introduction to our weathering and erosion unit. We will travel as a trail of 150 students to our two sites of interest. This will be a full day field investigation taking a total of 5 hours including transportation and lunch-time. Required materials will be clipboards, notebooks, colored pencils and rock identification books. Most of this activity could be implemented at any local cemetery, it is not imperative that you visit a waterfall as well.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Before the day of the field investigation, discuss safety and state park rules & guidelines. Also discuss proper behavior while visiting the cemetery. In the past, my main method of delivery to the topic of weathering and erosion has been in lecture format. I would mention various sites near the school were signs of weathering can be seen; however, not all students have been as observant of their surroundings as others. This field investigation will allow students to use their senses to observe weathering in action rather than relying on recalling previous observations. Asking students what type of gravestone they would choose brings a personal spin to the use and types of rocks.
Assessment
The main assessment tool will be student's science notebook. Students will be evaluated on the quality of their written observations. In small groups, students will respond to the following in their notebooks:
What type of weathering has been caused by Minneopa Creek? Was there a relationship between time and the degree of weathering? What types of rock are commonly used for gravestones? Which type was most resistant to weathering?
What type of weathering has been caused by Minneopa Creek? Was there a relationship between time and the degree of weathering? What types of rock are commonly used for gravestones? Which type was most resistant to weathering?
Standards
8.III.A.2 - changing of Earth's surface through weathering & erosion
8.I.B.1 - scientific investigations involve common elements in developing hypotheses and explanations.
8.I.B.1 - scientific investigations involve common elements in developing hypotheses and explanations.