In how many ways are rocks formed?

Can you name the rock that can float?

What do fossils tell us of the past?

This Quest will help you answer all these questions and more! ** No thin thinking allowed**

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The Task

You will identify the three different types of rocks.

You will watch animations to learn about rocks.

You will complete an online word search.

You will create a powerpoint presentation about the three types of rocks, and how they are formed and used.

You will create an Inspiration presentation on your birthstone.

You will be an expert on Fossils and what they can tell us about the earth.

You will design and name a pet rock.

You will evaluate this Quest and make suggestions for improvement.

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The Process: Students work in groups of 2 and complete the following activities:

Activity #1: Download and save the worksheets to your hard drive.

Activity #2: What are the different ways that rocks are formed?

Activity #3: Read about sedimentary rocks. Complete worksheet #1. Read about Rocks and their Uses

Activity #4: Read about igneous rocks. Complete worksheet #2.

Activity #5: Read about metamorphic rocks. Complete worksheet #3.

Activity #6: Extra credit: Look at Fossils found in rocks. Read about Fossils and complete worksheet #4.

Activity #7: Create a Powerpoint presentation about your birthstone and facts you have learned from Inspiration. Print out the Rubric from the Evaluation section and use as a checklist.

For Fun: Solve the Mysteries!

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Evaluation PowerPoint Rubric and Inspiration Rubric. Print out and complete

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Resources

Birthstones http://www.bernardine.com/birthstone/modern.htm

Fossil Limestone http://csmres.jmu.edu/geollab/Fichter/SedRx/Rocks/biospar1detB.html

GeoMysteries http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/faqs.html

Igneous Rocks http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/1080/igneous_profiles.htm

Metamorphic Rocks http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/1080/metamorphic_profiles.htm

Mineral Galleries http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/byname.htm Find mineral pictures and uses

Mohs Scale of Hardness http://www.amfed.org/t_mohs.htm

Mystery Fossils http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/historyoflife/mysteries/mfarchive6.html

Pet Rocks http://www.grandpapencil.com/pets/petrock.htm

Recipes http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/rocks/chocolate.shtml

Rock Hounds http://sln.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/expert/index.html

Sedimentary Rocks http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/1080/sedimentary_profiles.htm

University of Berkeley http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/intro/index.html

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Benchmarks

Michigan Curriculum Framework Benchmarks

* generate questions about the world based on observation (SCI.I.1.E.1)
* classify objects according to texture, buoyancy and other observable properties (SCI.IV.1.E.1)
* recognize and describe different types of earth materials (SCI.V.1.E.2)
* explain how rocks and fossils are used to understand the history of the earth (SCI.V.1.E.4)

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Conclusion: By completing this quest, you should now be a ROCK star!

CONGRATULATIONS!

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'thin thinking' = cut & paste, copying of original works without citations. This type of thinking is not allowed.