Using the Pacific NW GeoMap to Assess Students' Knowledge of Rock Classification and the Rock Cycle |
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Students in a sixth grade science class were to assume the roles of museum exhibit preparators working as a team in keying rock specimens to their possible locations of origin on the Pacific NW GeoMap. The audience was to be the general public (who generally have no formal background in geology). Assessed were students' knowledge of rock classification and the rock cycle. |
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Each student brought in three rock specimens that were found somewhere in Washington State. Working in groups of three to four, they (1) identified the rock specimens using available resources, such as rock identification guides or even personal knowledge; (2) stated their reasoning for their rock identification; and (3) explained the process by which their rocks were made, based on what they had learned through class discussion. Then they chose rock specimens representing the three major classes of rock to key in to an appropriate rock layer represented on the Pacific Northwest GeoMap.
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For additional good resources for teaching and learning about rocks and minerals, check out the following: Earth Science Lessons These are Earth Science lessons Scott Johnson (sjohnson@grand-forks.k12.nd.us), an elementary school teacher in Lincoln Elementary in Grand Forks, has developed. These lessons are geared toward and tested by 5-8 grade students. Rocks and Minerals Some good general resources from The Franklin Institute Ordering GeoMaps from Aurelia Press
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