Rocks, Minerals, & Soil

OBJECTIVES: 

Standards

Ohio Department of Education:
Grade 6
Earth and Space Science (ESS)

TOPIC: Rocks, Minerals and Soil
This topic focuses on the study of rocks, minerals and soil, which make up the lithosphere. Classifying and identifying different types of rocks, minerals and soil can decode the past environment in which they formed.

CONTENT STATEMENT: Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks have unique characteristics that can be used for identification and/or classification.
-Most rocks are composed of one or more minerals, but there are a few types of sedimentary rocks that contain organic material, such as coal. The composition of the rock, types of mineral present, mineral arrangement, and/or mineral shape and size can be used to identify the rock and to interpret its history of formation, breakdown(weathering) and transport (erosion).

CONTENT ELABORATION:
GRADE 6 CONCEPTS
Rock identification and classification must be experimental and investigative. Common samples to use in identification should be representative of each type of rock. Igneous samples must include varieties of granite, rhyolite, basalt, obsidian, pumice and andesite. Metamorphic samples must include varieties of schist, gneiss, slate, marble, anthracite and phyllite. Sedimentary samples must include varieties of limestone, sandstone, shale, conglomerate and breccia. Other rock samples such as bituminous coal, coquina and chert must be included in identifications, but these may not always fall neatly into one specific rock category. Proper safety protocol and testing procedures must be used.

It is important to use the identification of the minerals, mineral arrangement (within the rock) and quantifiable characteristics of the rock to identify the rock. Analysis of specific rock characteristics can be conducted in the classroom or in nature with rock samples. Technology can be used to research current identification methods and techniques and assist in methods of determining the quantifiable characteristics of specific rocks.

The purpose of rock identification must be related to understanding the environment in which the rock formed.

CONTENT STATEMENT: Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form in different ways.
-Magma or lava cools and crystallizes to form igneous rocks. Heat and pressure applied to existing rock forms metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary rock forms as existing rock weathers chemically and/or physically and the weathered material is compressed and then lithifies. Each rock type can provide information about the environment in which it was formed.

CONTENT ELABORATION:
GRADE 6 CONCEPTS
Rocks and minerals in rocks form in specific types of environments. The rock cycle can be used for a general explanation of the conditions required for igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks to form, but additional information should be added for relevancy. For example, the typical pattern of coal formation is an important of Ohio sandstone and limestone indicating that a shallow sea once covered Ohio. Ohio's geologic history and past environmental conditions play an important role in understanding the existing bedrock in Ohio.

Conducting field investigations, taking field trips, geologic maps, virtual field trips, physical maps and topographic maps can be used to illustrate how types of geologic structures and features help identify the types of rock that may be found in specific areas. THis must be connected to an understanding about the environmental conditions that needed to exist during the formation.

Credits

IMAGE RESOURCES:
Microsoft Clip Art
http://www.school-assemblies-dinosaur-program.com/images/DigMinerals88mix.gif
http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/evolution-of-minerals_1.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6dhyjnVntc/Ti4chBVthnI/AAAAAAAAAJY/mAm5PTjj-9o/s320/203515_114703985282529_6110800_n.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTYwWDEyODA=/z/9gwAAOxyRC1R6l9F/$(KGrHqF,!p8FHkrQULKDBR6l9FoLM!~~60_35.JPG?set_id=8800005007
http://amydiv4.weebly.com/uploads/9/7/8/3/9783420/161589035.gif?220
http://merryfarmer.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/pretty-rocks.jpg