Rock Jeopardy!
Students put their knowledge of rocks to the test!Copyright 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
Students reinforce their understanding of rocks, the rock cycle, and geotechnical engineering by playing a trivia game. They work in groups to prepare Jeopardy-type trivia questions (answers) and compete against each other to demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and engineering.
Engineers learn about the natural world in order to design the human-built environment. Rocks are important in the natural world, and make up the foundation of the earth we depend upon. Engineers must understand the characteristics and strength of the rocks located below the surface of the earth so that they can design safe structures, such as bridges, buildings, roads and tunnels. To prevent and limit the destruction of communities and human life, engineers also develop technologies to predict natural hazards caused by rock movement.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain that geotechnical engineers use their knowledge of the rock cycle to assist in the development of communities and prediction of natural hazards.
- Demonstrate their understanding of basic rock facts, including the rock cycle, types of rocks, types of stresses placed on rocks, and engineering applications of the rock cycle.