The intermediate students started their geology unit by learning about how rocks are formed through the rock cycle: weathering, erosion, and deposition. The students learned about the three different types of rocks and created a lap book with the information: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
After creating their informational lap books, they tried to use what they had learned to classify unknown rocks into the correct categories but found it was difficult to differentiate the rocks by simply looking at them. So, they learned about the tests and observations geologists use to help classify rocks more accurately.
They test for hardness, streak, luster, cleavage, size, weight, color, texture, transparency, and magnetism. Once they learned about these characteristics, the students made observations and performed tests to find out more about the rocks they had.
Then, the students tried their hands at unearthing rocks by using tools to chip away sand and clay to uncover three unknown rocks. They used what they have learned as geologists along with a picture chart to determine the names of each rock.
What a fun, hands-on unit!
We also have a field trip to Aullwood planned for the last week of school to further explore geology and fossils!
