Rocks, Rocks, Rocks: Test, Identify Properties & Classify
Continuing the Asteroid Impact challenge, student teams test rocks to identify their physical properties such as luster, hardness, color, etc., and classify them as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. They complete a data table to record all of the rock properties, and then answer worksheet questions to deepen their understanding of rock properties and relate them to the cavern design problem.
Students learn all about rocks.Copyright Royalty-Free photo. Pickpik.com 2020. https://www.pickpik.com/dolomites-marmolada-italy-south-tyrol-mountains-alpine-142994
Civil and geological engineers, for example, design tunnels through rock, build roads on the sides of mountains, and construct skyscrapers rooted in soil and rock. It is imperative for these engineers to thoroughly understand the natural characteristics and properties of all types of rocks to ensure health and safety standards are met.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Gather data by performing scientific observation and testing of rocks.
- Use the data and a flowchart to determine rock types and rock classification.
- Identify rock types by distinguishing features.
- Relate rocks-in-hand to geological formations on maps.
- Relate the relevance of each tested/observed rock characteristic to designing/building caverns.