Rocks and Minerals Unit

Over the course of the first 9 weeks, we have spent most of our focus on Rocks and Minerals. From the State of Ohio Science Standards, New Albany Middle School has created a list of "I can" statements that we hope our learners will achieve by the end of the year.

• I can identify and classify igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks by their unique characteristics and minerals.

• I can identify and apply the properties necessary for mineral identification.

• I can explain how minerals form in specific environments.

• I can formulate the different ways igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are created..

• I can trace each rock type to the environment in which it was formed.

• I can sample and test soil to help determine what it is made of and how it is formed.

• I can describe soil formation and how it is affected by environmental conditions, types of existing bedrock, and rates of weathering.

• I can distinguish between the different soil horizons based on properties that can be measured.

• I can investigate the common practical uses of rocks, minerals, and soil.

• I can explain that rocks, minerals, and soil are considered nonrenewable geologic resources and required for nearly all manufactured materials.

• I can trace the use of nonrenewable resources from extraction to disposal to storage.

• I can infer and explain the possible changes rocks will experience as part of the rock cycle.

• I can explain the difference between constructive and destructive forces and provide real life examples of each.

• I can identify if a land feature has been created or destroyed by a constructive and destructive force.

We have completed a variety of activities moving our learners toward mastery of these goals. Over the course of the year, we will circle back to many of these and go more in depth on others. For example, the soil formation and horizon objectives will be completed in the spring when we can begin to look at spring plants and get back out in the wetlands.

At this point in time, we have completed the following activities working toward these goals:

Tall Building Research:

Purpose:

• To get the learners excited about looking at geographical areas of the world in order to understand world geography.
• Begin to discuss to common practical uses of rocks and minerals
• To begin understanding and building on research and presentation skills.

Deliverable:

• Learners presented a slide show to their class with research pertaining to their favorite tall building.
• A template was provided via Google Classroom that helped with the scaffolding of information. (Template can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/zyg4dep)

Rock Cycle Poster/Animation:

Purpose:

• To infer and explain the possible changes rocks will experience as part of the rock cycle.
• To explain the rock cycle in a manner most useful to each individual learner.

Deliverables/Learning Activities:

• Learners began their exploration of the rock cycle using the online resource "Gismos" by ExploreLearning.com. You can preview this activity here: http://tinyurl.com/j55fmdc
• Learners were asked to present the rock cycle in either a poster or animation form. The variety was incredible.

Mineral Identification - "Mystery Minerals"

Purpose:

• I can identify and apply the properties necessary for mineral identification.
• I can investigate the common practical uses of rocks, minerals, and soil.
• I can explain how minerals form in specific environments.

Deliverables/Learning Activities:

• Learner worked through another online Gizmo that simulated the mineral identification tasks that are asked of 6th grade students. You can preview that Gizmo at: http://tinyurl.com/j55fmdc
• After working toward an understanding of the various methods in identifying minerals, learners were asked to pick a "mystery mineral" out of a paper bag. Using their knowledge and this recording sheet (http://tinyurl.com/glcu9x3) learners correctly identified at least 4 minerals. Most learners correctly identified 5 or 6.

"Rock and Roll Hall of Fame"

Purpose:

• I can investigate the common practical uses of rocks, minerals, and soil.
• I can infer and explain the possible changes rocks will experience as part of the rock cycle.
• I can explain the difference between constructive and destructive forces and provide real life examples of each.
• I can identify if a land feature has been created or destroyed by a constructive and destructive force.
• I can explain how minerals form in specific environments.

Deliverables/Learning Activities:

• Learners were asked to nominate their favorite rock, mineral or geological formation for entry into our imaginary "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."
• Through these presentations, we were introduced to various land forms and geology that we are normally not exposed to.
• Each year, learners present parts of the world and geological "stars" that we have never seen before.