Mary C. Gorte

Delta College (Modified from Mark Francek, Central Michigan University)

Introduction to Geology at a community college.

Students must understand what a mineral is and perhaps what minerals compose a granite.

This exercise is situated after students have been exposed to minerals, rock types and their formation.

The goal of this exercise is for students to

1. understand the difference between chemical and physical weathering of rocks by comparing it to eating a Baby Ruth candy bar
   
2. understand the difference between weathering and erosion
   
3. understand the concept of Bowen's reaction series and how that plays a part in differential weathering
   
4. understand the relationship between weathering and climate

Students are asked to place a Baby Ruth candy bar in their mouths but are asked not to bite it. Once they have sucked off all the chocolate and caramel the students are given permission to bite the peanuts. After lecturing on the differences between chemical and physical weathering students are asked to list the order of ingredients they tasted. Each group is given a sample of granite. Students are asked to list three visible minerals in the granite. Relate the minerals of the granite (hornblende, feldspar, and quartz) to the ingredients of the candy bar. Explain Bowen's reaction series and how different minerals will weather first and how climate will affect weathering rates.

Students take visual measurements of candy bars submerged in different temperature waters and see that weathering rates are accelerated in warmer waters.

This activity was originally designed by Mark Francek, Department of Geography and Earth Science, Central Michigan University