Geology of the Grand Canyon: Interpreting its rock layers and formation
Initial Publication Date: August 3, 2009
Summary
In this culminating activity, students will be assessed on what they have learned during the Geology unit of their 8th grade Earth Science class. After conducting classroom and field studies on geology (similar to what we did during the TIMES class) students will utilize this knowledge to interpret the rock layers and formation of the Grand Canyon (i.e. what geologic processes took place to form the rock layers/Grand Canyon).
Outside of class students will read/review the website "Grand Canyon Explorer" and complete a study guide of open-ended questions to be reviewed by the teacher to assess students' learning. Following teacher review of study guides, the next class period(s) will be a discussion and questioning session(s) on the formation of the rock layers and Grand Canyon.
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Learning Goals
Students will be able to (SWBAT) apply what they have learned during the geology unit to interpret the formation of the Grand Canyon.
SWBAT determine what geologic processes occurred to form each rock layer of the Grand Canyon (answering the questions: how, what, where, why).
SWBAT determine when each geologic process occurred and in what order to form the Grand Canyon (when).
Students will understand geologic processes and how these processes work together and/or in a specific sequence to form the landscapes we see today.
Skills to be utilized to complete this assignment: application of prior knowledge, problem solving, observation, analysis, critical thinking, organizing information, synthesis of concepts/deductive reasoning/inferring relationships/interpreting, communication, discussions and questioning.
Students must understand/utilize geology vocabulary from the entire unit.
SWBAT determine what geologic processes occurred to form each rock layer of the Grand Canyon (answering the questions: how, what, where, why).
SWBAT determine when each geologic process occurred and in what order to form the Grand Canyon (when).
Students will understand geologic processes and how these processes work together and/or in a specific sequence to form the landscapes we see today.
Skills to be utilized to complete this assignment: application of prior knowledge, problem solving, observation, analysis, critical thinking, organizing information, synthesis of concepts/deductive reasoning/inferring relationships/interpreting, communication, discussions and questioning.
Students must understand/utilize geology vocabulary from the entire unit.
Context for Use
This lesson was designed for middle school (8th grade) Earth Science classes, but it could also be used for high school Earth Science/Geology classes.
This is a culminating activity for the geology unit so students will need to understand the skills and concepts discussed over this time period. This lesson will be a part of the unit final assessment so it will be conducted towards the end of the geology unit.
Students will need access to a computer with internet access.
Outside of class students will be reading, researching, and writing (completing study guide).
Class time will include questioning and discussions.
Time required: 3 to 5 days. Most of the work will be conducted by students outside of class time. One or two days of class time needed.
The teacher must develop a study guide of open-ended questions that best meets his/her goals and conditions.
This is a culminating activity for the geology unit so students will need to understand the skills and concepts discussed over this time period. This lesson will be a part of the unit final assessment so it will be conducted towards the end of the geology unit.
Students will need access to a computer with internet access.
Outside of class students will be reading, researching, and writing (completing study guide).
Class time will include questioning and discussions.
Time required: 3 to 5 days. Most of the work will be conducted by students outside of class time. One or two days of class time needed.
The teacher must develop a study guide of open-ended questions that best meets his/her goals and conditions.
Description and Teaching Materials
In this culminating activity, students will be assessed on what they have learned during the Geology unit of their Earth Science class. After conducting classroom and field studies on geology students will be able to develop the "big picture" of Minnesota geology and will utilize this knowledge to interpret the rock layers and formation of the Grand Canyon.
This lesson utilizes Just-in-Time Teaching, which focuses on using web-based assignments that are conducted before a class meeting. Outside of class students will read/review the website "Grand Canyon Explorer" and complete a study guide of open-ended questions.
The instructor will gather information about student performance and understanding – the study guide – prior to the class meeting. The teacher will review the study guides to assess students' learning.
Following teacher review of study guides, the next class period(s) will be a discussion and questioning session(s) on the formation of the Grand Canyon.
The study guide and discussion participation will be a part of the geology unit final assessment.
This activity is partially based on a lesson from the National Geographic website, Grades 9-12 Lesson Plans, Standard 7: Physical Processes, "Layers of the Grand Canyon". "Grand Canyon Explorer: The Geology of the Grand Canyon", by Bob Ribokas.
This lesson utilizes Just-in-Time Teaching, which focuses on using web-based assignments that are conducted before a class meeting. Outside of class students will read/review the website "Grand Canyon Explorer" and complete a study guide of open-ended questions.
The instructor will gather information about student performance and understanding – the study guide – prior to the class meeting. The teacher will review the study guides to assess students' learning.
Following teacher review of study guides, the next class period(s) will be a discussion and questioning session(s) on the formation of the Grand Canyon.
The study guide and discussion participation will be a part of the geology unit final assessment.
This activity is partially based on a lesson from the National Geographic website, Grades 9-12 Lesson Plans, Standard 7: Physical Processes, "Layers of the Grand Canyon". "Grand Canyon Explorer: The Geology of the Grand Canyon", by Bob Ribokas.
Teaching Notes and Tips
I've designed this activity to be a performance/authentic assessment.
The teacher must develop a study guide of open-ended questions that best meets his/her goals and conditions.
Make sure you allow enough time for your students to complete the out-of-class assignment – reading/reviewing the website and completing the study guide.
The teacher must develop a study guide of open-ended questions that best meets his/her goals and conditions.
Make sure you allow enough time for your students to complete the out-of-class assignment – reading/reviewing the website and completing the study guide.
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Assessment
Assessment for this lesson will include the completion of study guide and participation in class discussions.
Standards
Minnesota Academic Standards in Science: 8th Grade Earth Science
8.3.1.2.1 – landforms resulting from geologic processes.
8.3.1.3.1 – interpret layers of sedimentary rocks and their fossils.
8.3.1.3.3 – formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock.
8.3.1.2.1 – landforms resulting from geologic processes.
8.3.1.3.1 – interpret layers of sedimentary rocks and their fossils.
8.3.1.3.3 – formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock.