Rock Evolution and Change
Initial Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Summary
Students will be exposed to the processes of metamorphism and diagenesis on Earth and determine which processes are dominant on Mars. Are diagenetic processes on Earth mirrored on Mars?
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Observe and understand the diagenetic alteration of hematite to goethite,
- Test different variables through experimentation to understand diagenetic environment thresholds of alteration.
Context for Use
This module is meant for adaptation in an earth science course where sedimentary rock lithology and sedimentary rock processes of formation are already familiar to students. An understanding of sedimentary depositional environments would also be helpful.
Background materials for rock types and classification include:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg_jKJFbA2A (this is a classification using a cooking kitchen analogy)
Description and Teaching Materials
Compiled In-Class Activities and Homework
- Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 1.3MB Nov21 16)
- Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 811kB Nov21 16)
In-Class Activity
- In-Class Activity 1: Cooking Rocks- Did the Experiment Work?
- Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 811kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 1.2MB Nov21 16)
Homework/Lab
- Homework 1: Cooking Rocks- Diagenesis
- Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 1010kB Nov21 16)
Teaching Notes and Tips
- In Homework 1: students will need samples of southern Utah picturestone.
Share your modifications and improvements to this activity through the Community Contribution Tool »
Assessment
Methods of assessment are within each individual In-Class Activity and Homework.
References and Resources
- Image File: Rock Evolution and Change (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 804kB May21 13)
- Rainbow Bridge Image: https://www.nps.gov/rabr/index.htm
- Gold stone Image: http://rayerminerals.homestead.com/Verkoop_mineralen_6.html#