Subject: Earth Science/Geology

"ROCKS AND MINERALS: Our Earth "

TOPIC:

 TITLE:

GOAL:

Project Outcomes:

1. To be able to identify which rocks are indigenous to various parts of the world.
2. To draw logical conclusions explaining rock distribution throughout the world.
3. To present a Power point presentation  for each rock/mineral studied.

CONTENT AREA:

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:

 California State Standard-Earth Science

3. Earth is made of materials that have distinct properties and provide resources for human activities.
As the basis for understanding this concept, students know:
a. how to compare the physical properties of different kinds of rocks and that rock is composed of different combinations of minerals.
b. smaller rocks come from the breakage and weathering of larger rocks.
c. soil is made partly from weathered rock and partly from organic materials, and that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many kinds of plants.

• SCIENCE:

  Before beginning this project, students will learn the layers of the earth and the rock cycle.
  1. The students will research Metamorphic, Igneous and Sedimentary Rocks; identify the properties/characteristics, the geographical location, and uses of each type of rock/mineral.
  2. Using prior knowledge of weathering, natural disasters, etc., students will write a summary, based on one location of the world, making predictions as to why certain rocks are pertinent to that area.

California State Standard- 1.0 Writing Strategies

Students write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop a central idea. Their writing shows they consider the audience and purpose. Students progress through the stages of the writing process (e.g., prewriting, drafting, revising, editing successive versions).

California State Standard- 1.0 Listening and Speaking Strategies

Students listen critically and respond appropriately to oral communication. They speak in a manner that guides the listener to understand important ideas by using proper phrasing, pitch, and modulation.

• LANGUAGE ARTS:

  1. Students will learn how to write friendly and formal letters so that they may communicate with different students and geologists from around the world, via e-mail, in order to obtain pertinent information.
  2. Students will practice research skills, note taking, references.
  3. Students will keep a daily journal to record information, thoughts/feelings, and write progress summaries. They will also be required to record each address they visit and explain what they found there or why they left the site. Each team will present a Power point  presentation orally to the class.

California State Standard- Social Studies 2.2 Students demonstrate map skills by describing the absolute and relative locations of people, places, and environments.

• GEOGRAPHY:

  1. Students will create and place symbols on a class wall map and individual maps showing the type of rock/minerals found and the geographical location.

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• EXPLORATORY:

  • Technology:

    1. Students will be scanning pictures of rocks found in their backyard and sending them to their E-pals. http://www.epals.com/ .They may also choose to scan a picture of themselves.
    2. Students will create a Power point  using the data they collected including a fact sheet for each rock/mineral. They will be completing this project in teams, as there are only four computers available with internet access.
    
    

  • Internet Activities:

    • Mail: Students will contact  http://www.epals.com/ pen pals via around the world asking about the type of rocks they find in their backyard.
     
    • WWW: Students will use the WWW to find research information on rocks helping them identify these rocks more accurately, and understand why they were found in certain locations. They will be developing their own Power point. The teams will then present their Power point  to the class using the computer and TV Link.
    • Students will use this link below on class website to construct their Power point  presentation on Rocks and Minerals.

    http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/teachers/hmarks/research_sites_by_rock_and_miner.htm

California State Standard-Technology Standard 1.0-Technology Productivity Tools-students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. 1.1-Use word processing applications, 1.2-Use presentation applications to incorporate, text, graphics, and sound. 1.4 Apply productivity tools.

Click here for evaluation-Rubric for Power point Presentation